Rossendale Holiday Cottages secures planning permission for £1m scheme

The proposed holiday homes scheme set into the picturesque Rossendale Valley

A Lancashire holiday homes firm has won planning approval for a distinctive £1m ‘eco-retreat’ development featuring holiday cottages set into the hillside of the Rossendale Valley.

Plans by Rossendale Holiday Cottages were initially turned down by councillors earlier this year.

The scheme had been recommended for conditional approval by council officers, but Rossendale council received 24 objections – including a 17-signature petition.

The objections mainly related to concerns over privacy, traffic and noise.

Rossendale Holiday Cottages is run by Jonny Wilson and his wife Rachel, along with fellow director Mike Armstrong.

At the time, Mr Armstrong said: “We’ve already made changes as a result of objections.”

Now, following a successful appeal, the firm will develop its rural subterranean guesthouse scheme, with full ‘green’ roof, and eight luxury guestrooms.

Proposals also include facilities such as a spa, gymnasium, pool, and residents’ lounge.

The business has provided holiday accommodation for the past decade.

Mr Armstrong said the scheme would add a further eight jobs to the existing 10-strong workforce, and the firm is working closely with Invest In Rossendale on recruitment.

Mike said: “Our guests come from all over the world. They love the site and the Rossendale Valley. Many return. We continually market the region.”

He said the additional visitors would add to the local economy: “Our guests visit many local businesses promoted in our welcome guides, provided in our cottages.”

Following the successful appeal he explained: “The masterplanning for the site has located the guesthouse into the hillside with panoramic views out over the valley and surrounding hills, whilst being sympathetic to local residents and visibility across the site.

“This adds to the facility which already welcomes visitors from all over the world staying in their self-catering cottages’ en suite bedrooms and glamping pods.”

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