A CONTROVERSIAL planning application to build an East Lancashire prison has been thrown out following an appeal.

Landowner Paul Dew, 49, has been pursuing plans to develop a prison or detention centre on land at Old Hall Farm, Oswald Street, Burnley, since last year.

The application was rejected by Burnley Borough Council last year but Mr Dew appealed against the refusal.

Following an investigation by an independent inspector the appeal has been refused on the grounds the development does make efficient use of land space and would be detrimental to the nearby area, since the planned site was close to several schools -- including Stoneyholme Primary and Barden High School -- and residential areas. Earlier this year The Prison Service told Burnley MP Peter Pike it would not consider the site for a detention centre after he wrote to them about the contentious plan.

Mr Dew, a surveyor, who owns land behind the farm, although not the site itself, argued the development would mean a massive boost in terms of job creation and regeneration for the Stoneyholme area and provide a purpose-built detention centre for the area.

Even though Mr Dew does not own the site the council's planning department had a statutory duty to consider any application submitted to them.

A couple living in nearby Old Hall Farm, Terence and Yvonne Thorn, also protested against the application.

Mr Dew was unavailable for comment.