BURNLEY MP Peter Pike will back businessman Andrew Brown at a public inquiry into controversial plans for a 100-acre leisure complex on green belt land.

In his written evidence to next month's four-day public inquiry into the scheme at Crow Wood House Farm, near the M65 Asda Junction, Mr Pike says the leisure equestrian centre and new woodland plan does, in fact, best protect the green belt.

The project, approved in principle by Burnley councillors despite being a major departure from the Local Plan, was called in for inquiry by the Secretary of State following protests from environmental groups.

Mr Pike has submitted written evidence to the public inquiry, which opens at Burnley town hall on July 18, because he will be leading a parliamentary delegation to Canada on that date and unable to attend in person.

In his evidence Mr Pike will tell the inquiry inspector that he supports the proposal and calls for it to be dealt with as speedily as possible. He says: "It is my view that this planning application does, in fact, best protect the green belt nature of he land.

"Clearly it is not good farming land, there is a surplus of milk production and the Government does favour appropriate diversification."

Mr Pike says the additional trees will improve the appearance of the land and the planned buildings area is only marginally different from from the existing farm buildings.

He adds: "I do not believe it will create any serious increase in traffic. It will create jobs and will meet demand for recreational facilities in Burnley."

Mr Pike goes on: "Whilst the principles are important ones, I believe the issues involved are relatively simple and I do, therefore, support this planning application and the decision taken by the council."

The cost of the inquiry is estimated to be between £30,000 and £50,000, with the council spending £10,500 on a barrister to argue its case.