PROMINENT Valley developer The Hurstwood Group has submitted an appeal against Rossendale Council's decision to refuse plans for a hotel and apartments in Rawtenstall.

The council's Development Control Committee voted against the outline application earlier this month, agreeing with planning officers that the Accrington and Rossendale College site at the end of Haslingden Road was not suitable for a six-storey, 60-room hotel and 94 apartments.

But Hurstwoods has now submitted an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate, based on the fact that the outline application concurs with the council's own Area Action Plan for Rawtenstall.

Head of planning Daniel Hartley said: "I think it is a real shame that it has come to this but we have no other option.

"We believe we have put a very strong case to the Planning Inspectorate but time will tell.

"The process is not a speedy one and will take several months before a decision is reached which means that a question mark will remain over a key site.

"As far as we are concerned the college site is an important gateway into Rossendale and one we don't simply want to leave mothballed.

"That will lead it to stagnation and decay, which appears to be what the council wants, but it isn't our vision for the town.

"Rawtenstall has been crying out for a high quality hotel for decades which is precisely what we are hoping to deliver. We won't let that dream die without a fight."

Mr Hartley added: "The application is in line with local, national and regional planning policies and as it is an outline, details of design could be looked at later."

The appeal will be heard by the Bristol-based Planning Inspectorate who will seek comments from the council and other interested parties, as well as visiting the site.

The process is expected to take between three and six months.

The hotel proposals are part of Hurstwood's planned £100million regeneration of Rawtenstall town centre.

Work has begun to refurbish Wesley House in Bacup Road, Hollymount House is set to be converted into apartments and houses, and last week Hurstwood confirmed DIY giant Homebase will be the cornerstone of its new development of facilities at New Hall Hey.