LUXURY camping could be coming to the outskirts of a historic industrial East Lancashire town.

A planning application for a ten log cabin ‘glamping’ site has been submitted to Hyndburn Council for Blackburn Old Road, Great Harwood.

If approved, it would be the first such project in the borough.

Local businessman Ian Robinson has submitted the outline application for half an acre of pasture land near the Dean Clough Reservoir beauty spot.

His proposal for ten timber ‘wigwam’ cabins on the vacant site near Black Leach Farm would need special approval by Hyndburn Council's planning committee as it is on protected ‘green belt’ countryside.

The scheme has been given a cautious welcome by Hyndburn borough leader Cllr Miles Parkinson and Netherton ward representatives Cllrs Stephanie Haworth and Gareth Molineux.

Mr Robinson’s agent Trevor Hobday said: “This would be very much an upmarket camping site.

“It is on green belt land so would have to meet tight regulations but it supports Hyndburn Council’s Local Plan priority of encouraging tourism.

“It would be the first ‘glamping’ site in the borough and quite possibly the first in East Lancashire.

“It could introduce new people to the beauties of the area and generate income for local traders.

“If people are coming for a week, they are going to spend money locally.”

Cllr Haworth said: “The site is in a very beautiful area. It is a proposal worth looking at but any development would have to blend in with the local countryside.”

Cllr Parkinson said: “This is an interesting idea. It is certainly the first proposal for ‘glamping’ I am aware of in Hyndburn.

“It fits in with the council’s commitment to encouraging tourism. It could bring people to the wonderful countryside around Great Harwood which is a match for the Trough of Bowland.

“It would bring business to local shops and is close to the local beauty spot of Dean Clough Reservoir.

“It is in the green belt and so would have to meet strict guidelines.”

Cllr Molineux said: “This proposal would support the borough’s tourism aspirations and generate jobs and income. It would have to meet green belt regulations and fit in with the beautiful countryside around the town.”