A CONTROVERSIAL planning application to build an East Lancashire prison has failed.

The Prison Service has told Burnley's MP Peter Pike it will not consider land at Old Hall Farm, Daneshouse, Burnley, for a detention centre after Mr Pike wrote to them about a contentious planning application for the site.

Surveyor Paul Dew, 49, who owns land behind the farm but not the farm itself, submitted an application to Burnley Borough Council to turn the site into a category C open prison or detention centre.

He said the plans would be developed further if the borough council was to grant permission for the change of use for the land.

Burnley Borough Council rejected that application.

The Prison Service's dismissal of the idea looks set to bring the matter to an end.

Mr Dew said 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.

Will Loader, chief estates officer for the Prison Service, said he would not consider the Old Hall Farm site for the construction of a new prison.

Mr Pike made his opposition to the application clear from the start. He said: "I cannot really see the planning inspectorate supporting this appeal in the light of this information.

"I welcome the view of the Prison Service and I hope Mr Dew will now withdraw the application."

A couple living in nearby Old Hall Farm also protested against the application. Terence and Yvonne Thorn have lived at the farm, off Oswald Street, in Stoneyholme, for ten years.

A spokesman for the council's planning department said anyone was entitled to submit a planning application, which they had a statutory, duty to consider as long as the relevant fees were paid.

Mr Dew was unavailable for comment.