A COUNCIL leader’s plea has helped a property developer to win the battle to begin restoring a grade II listed former hotel in Rossendale.

Horncliffe Mansion, Bury Road, Rawtenstall, is the ancestral home of cotton magnates the Hardman family, but has been used as a hotel for the past few decades.

But its owners decided, in the current financial climate, that the tourism trade was no longer a viable commercial proposition and businessman Jamie Carter stepped in.

Mr Carter, a property developer and former Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar student, had grown up in the area and wanted to restore the 19th century landmark to its original state.

He submitted proposals to allow the mansion, and a nearby gatehouse, to be used as as a family home — but Rossendale Council planners were concerned about the effect the move would have on tourism in the valley.

Coun Tony Swain, leader of Rossendale Council, said: “This is a prominent and important building in the history of Rossendale and by not allowing it to be used as a family home we could be risking more derelict buildings in the borough.

“We should want this property to be restored to its former glory.

"The applicant has made it quite clear that he wants to work with us to preserve Horncliffe Mansion.”

Councillors narrowly voted to accept the application at a meeting of Rossendale Council's development control committee.