WEST Craven planners will see for themselves the site of a proposed 51-berth marina on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal at Barnoldswick, before deciding whether it can go ahead.

Members of Pendle Council's West Craven committee - the planning authority for the area - decided a site visit was needed before making such an important decision.

There is already a boatyard and canal shop at Lower Park, with moorings along the canal, but the proposal, made on behalf of Lower Park Marina Ltd, is to significantly expand that facility. If allowed, it could make Barnoldswick a major attraction for boaters.

The proposal seeks to excavate a marina by widening the canal by about 20 metres along a 185-metre stretch.Twenty-six berths would be created, each having a capacity for two narrow boats.

The stretch of canal concerned is between the point where the old railway line crossed the canal, and where the canal goes under Kelbrook Road. The proposed marina would be on the Barnoldswick side and would be accessed by extending the existing single-track road to Lower Park Marina.

Members were presented with a comprehensive nine-page report from planning officer Janet Filbin, covering all aspects of the application including a number of objections from nearby residents.

One of the main objections was that planning permission is already in place for a 60-berth marina close by, on the opposite side of the canal to the existing boatyard and shop.

If another scheme was approved and both were implemented, it would amount to a significant overdevelopment of the area, warned the objector.

In conclusion, Mrs Filbin recommended members to refuse the application for three reasons. First, because it was detached from the existing boatyard and facilities and created a sprawl of development into open, unspoilt countryside.

Second, because the loss of a long length of natural canal banking with its associated vegetation and wildlife would be detrimental in terms of nature conservation.

And third, because the proposed access road would cross the foot of Cockshott Bridge, a Grade II listed structure.

However, members agreed they should see the proposed site for themselves before discussing the matter in detail, probably at their next meeting, scheduled for Tuesday January 9.