BIG business is backing a controversial plan to build a 66-bedroom hotel and leisure complex in green belt land in Pendle -- by logging the number of times visiting clients have to stay outside the borough.

The figures will be used by Clive Seedall to support his plan to extend the Forest Hotel pub, Cuckstool Lane, Fence.

Councillors rejected the scheme, despite 65 letters of support from local firms calling for more four star hotel space in the borough, when it was originally put forward last year because it went against planning rules protecting the countryside.

Mr Seedall has resubmitted the plans to Pendle Council because he feels he now has a stronger case. "A council planning officer looked at the letters before and he said he felt they were anecdotal evidence because there were no facts and figures about the lack of four star hotel accommodation," said Mr Seedall. "Firms were annoyed about this and they have been noting how many times they've had to book rooms outside the area.

The Oaks Hotel in Reedley is the only four star hotel in Burnley, Nelson and Colne and it doesn't always have the rooms."

Mr Seedall said businesspeople from America and other countries had to stay as far away as Bolton and Skipton.

Mr Seedall said planning rules said building on green belt could be allowed in special cases. "I believe the support from industry and need for accommodation like this makes this a special case," he added.

The application by Mr Seedall and his brother Jonathan, who own the Forest, is set to be discussed by the council's Barrowford and Western Parishes area committee on August 3. Smith & Nephew confirmed it was keeping details about accommodation difficulties. Silentnight said it had received a request for help from Mr Seedall.