AN ALLOTMENT project four years in the making has edged a step closer after organisers re-submitted a planning application to council bosses.

The Limey Valley Allotments Association wants to create 28 full-sized plots near Loveclough Playing Field in Burnley Road, Loveclough.

If given the go-ahead, the site, which is named Badgercote, will also include a communal area with a kitchen and a gardening library for allotment owners.

Darryl Nugent, LVAA chairman, said that the group’s long-term plan was to turn the area into a ‘hub of wildlife’ within a few years.

He said: “We’re happy to have resubmitted the application. We’ve been delayed by another proposed development to the east of the site.

“It would have hijacked the land required for our scheme but that has been turned down so we’re back to where we were in April.

“We’ve had to iron out a couple of technicalities but we’ve got a full waiting list for the plots so the interest in the community is there.

“Hopefully, if things get approved, we’ll get the land transfer signed before the frost arrives this winter and we can get a couple of beds planted in spring.”

Three half-plots with easy access are still available for disabled gardeners.

Rossendale’s MP Jake Berry and Goodshaw ward councillors Alyson Barnes and Dorothy Farington have all lent their support to the scheme.

Mr Nugent said: “Once we get permission we can start looking at applying for grants and funding opportunities.

“Because the south and west of the site are too boggy to build plots on we’re letting Incredible Edible Rossendale use it to grow herbs and fruits.

“We’re also planning an orchard further down the line.

'And some butterfly experts have approached us about the possibility of planting the right flowers to attract insects to the perimeter of the site.”

The LVAA also hopes to involve schools and Scout groups in the planting of 420 trees which are being delivered by The Woodland Trust next March.