FIFTY jobs could be created in north Lancashire if the go-ahead is given to transform a former gravel quarry near Carnforth into a £15 million holiday park.

Rapidly expanding South Lakeland Caravans Ltd has applied to Lancashire County Council to build 250 log cabins, a restaurant and tropical swimming pool and fitness complex on land at Dock Acres, off Borwick Lane, just north of the Pine Lake resort.

Planning permission was granted to developer Chandler-Davies Associates last May for a water-based leisure development with 52 time-share units although the company has since gone into liquidation.

The site is allocated in the local plan for a tourism development.

The company's managing director, John Morphet, said that the cabins would be available for sale, hire and timeshare use.

He said the site was in an excellent location.

He added that it was an exciting development for the company, which now owns twelve holiday parks.

County council planning officer, John Hockenhull, said the application would be discussed in the New Year.

City councillors will next week consider an application for listed building consent to alter a listed farmhouse which will form part of the development.

Councillors have been advised to accept the scheme,

though this will not imply that the rest of the development is to get the go-ahead.