A PROPOSED agricultural building described as a "cricket pavilion or modern-day supermarket" was given the thumbs-down by councillors.

Ribble Valley Council's planning committee heard that William Archer wanted to erect the 24 metre-wide structure for storing three tractors at Vine House Farm, Whinney Lane, Mellor.

Joe Marsden, clerk to Mellor Parish Council, said the building would be out of proportion to its proposed use.

"We have serious concerns about this application, as do immediate neighbours," he said.

"This is not an agricultural holding and there can be no justification for a building of this size in a greenbelt area.

"The site is an Area of Special Landscape and we are particularly anxious to maintain greenbelt status.

"The building will look like a cricket pavilion or modern-day supermarket."

Chief planning officer Stewart Bailey said: "It has become apparent that at some future date the building may be utilised for the stabling of horses, which are presently kept elsewhere, or for the applicant's car."

Councillors supported his recommendation for refusal on the grounds that it would set a dangerous precedent for inappropriate development and cause visual harm to the landscape.

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