COUNCILLORS are set to reject plans for a piggery to be converted into a block of holiday homes in the one of the Ribble Valley's most scenic areas.

The planning and development committee will meet tomorrow night to discuss the application, at a farm in Fish House Lane, Chipping.

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans today backed the proposed refusal of the project, saying it was important the area's character was not sacrificed for the sake of tourism.

Council bosses themselves have also tried to curtail the number of holiday homes being created, fearing that the borough was set to become a ghost area with local people moving out as house prices soared.

The application submitted to the committee requests permission for four holiday cottages to be created in an old piggery.

Residents have complained, saying the project would attract more tourists to the area, damage roads and paths and unsettle local wildlife, including curlews, snipes and grey partridge.

Officers have requested the project be refused permission because it breaches several local planning regulations, including tourism policy and the use of converted buildings policy.

A spokesman said: "The building is of a design which is unsympathetic to the original form and character of the original structure. It would be detrimental to the visual amenity of the area."

In the report, officers also state that the area is one of outstanding natural beauty.

Nigel Evans said: "I am pleased that the council is acting to stop more of the borough being turned over to tourism because the last thing we want is for this area to become a ghost borough.

"It is very important that this area keeps it character. After all, that is what draws the people to this area, especially areas of outstanding natural beauty."

He added: "I would urge any farmer looking to diversify, and I know many now have no choice but to do so, to contact the council first and see what sort of things are appropriate in their area."

Earlier this year, the council expressed its determination to make more housing available for local people. The popularity of the borough has sent prices sky high.

The council has now requested permission to demand that people buying council homes only sell them on to people who live and work locally.

Residents in Longridge are also fighting plans for a massive holiday complex next to a lake on the outskirts of the town. They claim it would ruin their area.