AN ambitious businessman will learn next month whether he has netted his dream £2 million complex.

A Government inspector will rule whether a hotel and leisure development will go ahead at the Fisherman's Retreat in Shuttleworth.

The man behind the plan is Mr Hervey Magnall, owner of the popular family-run restaurant. He had already received the green light from Rossendale Council last year for the added complex but because it will involve green belt land, government approval is needed.

He told the Bury Times: "The public inquiry will be held in November and if the decision goes in my favour then it will be all systems go."

If planning consent is granted, the complex will be developed in the Twine Valley Country Park, which straddles Ramsbottom and Rossendale. It will feature a hotel with swimming pool, six chalets, conference centre, visitor and educational centre and riding stables.

Some 25,000 trees will be planted to protect the wildlife that has made its home in the valley and 40 full-time as well as well as part-time jobs would be created.

Mr Magnall described the plans as "the realisation of a dream".

He a run-down fisherman's lodge off Bye-Road in the early 1990s and developed it as the Fisherman's Retreat, a place for recreation, ramblers, and lovers of wildlife.

Now, Mr Magnall is confident the proposed development would attract international buinsessmen and tourists.