A FAMILY’S dream of a small-holding, woodland and bed and breakfast hotel for parents with newly-adopted children came a step closer when councillors overruled planning officers’ objections.

Steven and Mandy Worsley want to turn a struggling farm and dilapidated barn they inherited into a thriving country complex.

They were shocked when officials ruled their proposal breached green belt guidelines and urged Blackburn with Darwen council planning committee to refuse it.

But councillors overturned the recommendation and next month will approve the scheme.

Labour Coun Phil Riley told the meeting: “I am all in favour of preserving the green belt but this is a scratty bit of it that will be improved by this plan.”

Mrs Worsley, 41, and her 46-year-old husband have two adopted children of their own, Jessica and James, six and eight, and the support of two major charities for their bed and breakfast plan at Chapel Farm, High Street, Turton.

She said: “We inherited the farm and my husband has been running a wood cutting and turning business.

“He has been really struggling to keep his head above water.

“We live in Chapeltown and want to refurbish the barn, build a new house on the land and grow a small wood with a Forestry Commission grant and then create a smallholding with animals.

“We want a bed and breakfast aimed primarily at providing short country breaks for couples with newly-adopted children. We know from our own experience what an emotionally stressful time this can be.

“We cannot do anything with the land unless we have a house and live there.

“The plan is a real dream of ours, helping newly-adoptive parents and others such a foster familes and children with problems, and creating a successful business.

“If this goes ahead, I can leave my NHS job and live on the farm looking after the smallholding and the animals.

“We are delighted at the decision which makes our dream a step closer to reality.”

Their ward councillor for North Turton with Tockholes Coun Colin Rigby said: “I am very pleased for the family. This plan will improve the farm not harm it.”