Gisburn Country Hotel Appeal Dismissed #Lancashire

A scheme to build a 38 bedroom country house hotel and spa on land at Dudlands, Gisburn has been rejected by a planning inspector.

Planning permission was sought for the development, which also included wedding and conference facilities, by owners of the land Mr and Mrs Glen Myerscough. However Ribble Valley Borough Council rejected the plans in November 2011 following opposition from local residents, businesses and Gisburn Parish Council.

During a 2 day appeal hearing in April 2013 issues raised included the effect on the character of the local environment; potential damage to the local economy and other businesses in the area, particularly Dunbia; increased traffic and reliance on private cars; damage to the ecology of the area and disturbance to nearby residents.

Today planning inspector Ian Jenkins today issued his decision and dismissing the appeal he said

“The Framework indicates that there are three dimensions to sustainable development: economic; social; and, environmental. In my judgement, the proposed scheme would not perform well overall in relation to any of these dimensions. Furthermore, the harm I have identified significantly and demonstrably outweighs the benefits of the scheme and it would not be possible to satisfactorily mitigate that harm through the imposition of reasonable conditions. I conclude on balance that, having had regard to local and national policy, the scheme would not amount to a sustainable form of development.”

Whilst the appeal was dismissed, Mr Jenkins found that Ribble Valley Borough Council had acted “unreasonably” as it failed to clarify and properly support its statements relating to the impact of the development on transport infrastructure. In so doing he believed the appellants may have incurred unnecessary expense and as a result he made a partial costs order against the Council.

A local resident, who did not wish to be named, said “This is great news for the area and for protecting our wonderful environment.”