Plans to build two short-term holiday lets in an East Lancashire village have been refused over fears it would “undermine” the character of the area.

Mr A Burns applied to Ribble Valley Borough Council to build the holiday lets on a plot of land in Old Brow, Sawley, earlier this year.

Plans said the lets would have been able to accommodate four people each, and each hosting two double bedrooms, an open-plan kitchen, a living and dining area, and a shower room.

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However, the council have knocked back the plans over fears it would be detrimental to the area’s rural character.

In a decision notice, they said: “The proposed development, by virtue of its introduction of numerous urbanising features into undeveloped land with a predominantly natural character would fail to protect, conserve or enhance the visual amenities of the surrounding landscape.

“The proposal would fail to satisfy the requirements of the Ribble Valley Core Strategy as it would undermine the character, quality, and visual amenities of the plan area.

“The proposed development is considered to be unacceptable in principle and the environmental harm identified would fail to meet the overriding objective of sustainable development.”

A planning statement said the aim of the holiday lets was to provide a “tranquil and luxurious” countryside retreat, offering guests an “unforgettable experience.”

It was also said the site was in a “prime location” close to Clitheroe and the rest of the Forest of Bowland and that the units would meet the demand for increased domestic tourism.

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The planning statement said: “It is intended that the land around the units will be left ‘wild’ and not tended as lawn or garden to preserve the biodiversity of the site. New trees are proposed within the site. The proposed units are single-storey. Land remodelling will need to be carried out to create the level area for the units.

“Sawley has many competitive advantages for holiday let accommodation such as beautiful rural location, set alongside the stunning river Ribble, beautiful hotel with picturesque riverside garden (popular for weddings), seasonal best in class Salmon fishing, Sawley Abbey, fantastic countryside walks and bike rides – amongst many other attractions further afield in the Ribble Valley and beyond.”

The applicant has six months to appeal the council’s decision if they wish.

To read the plans in full, visit the council’s planning website.