A FARMER who was hit by the foot and mouth crisis is seeking permission to turn his Edgworth farm into a haven for ramblers.

Ray Houghton, 45, of Clough Head Farm on Broadhead Road is seeking planning permission from North Turton Parish Council to turn his piggery into an outdoor centre with self-catering accommodation for ramblers.

Parish councillors will discuss whether the scheme, which has been backed by ramblers and tourism chiefs, should be granted tonight at the Barlow Institute.

Jeff Fullerton, planning consultant for Rural Scene in Cumbria, spoke on behalf of his client, Mr Houghton.

He said: "The farming industry was hit very badly by the foot and mouth crisis and I know that my client consulted DEFRA together with the Blackburn Enterprise Trust to see what options were available, and the ramblers' lodge was one of them.

"The countryside around the area is beautiful and Mr Houghton ceased pig farming last year. He now has the time and the space to do something like this. He did look at similar ventures in the Peak District and in North Wales and followed their lead."

It is thought that, if planning permission is granted, building will start early autumn and some of the facility will be ready by next spring.

The farm has been in Mr Houghton's family since World War Two and he has lived on the farm since he was born.

Geoff Hughes, parish council clerk, said: "This is a very exciting, ambitious project and we don't anticipate there will be any objections.

"We will probably ask the developers to take the construction in stages so we can see what's happening every step of the way. I think it will be very good for people who enjoy the countryside."

The facility will contain eleven self-contained rooms each containing a bedroom and kitchen. The site will feature a large car park and a tented campsite.

Independent companies will be invited to take ramblers out for day trips around the West Pennine Moors.

A spokesperson for the marketing and tourism unit for Blackburn with Darwen Council said that the rural areas in the borough were in desperate need of accommodation.

The spokesperson said: "We are really looking to develop the area around Edgworth and Turton because these places are gateways to the West Penine Moors. They contain beautiful walks and are always very popular with ramblers.

"We are delighted to hear about the possibility of a new development in Edgworth."

Michael McNicholas, chairman of the Blackburn and Darwen Ramblers' Association, said: "A facility like this is crucial for the area because the West Pennine Moors are becoming more and more popular with out-of-town visitors.

"I can imagine that it will be a very well used facility."

Coun Deborah Dunleavy, Chapeltown ward, said: "If it brings money to the area and helps the farmers to develop their land then I think it's a very positive step. The only negative point will be the increase in traffic but as long as car parking facilities are good then it shouldn't pose a real problem."