FRIENDS of the Earth have expressed regret at the decision to allow a £6million leisure development on green belt land in Burnley.

The decision by deputy prime minister John Prescott followed a three-day inquiry in July.

Les Marsden, chairman of the local branch of the Friends of the Earth said Burnley people were very concerned about the constant pressure on green belt, on open countryside and on open spaces in the town.

There were massive areas of the town full of boarded-up houses which could be redeveloped.

More than 1,200 people had signed a petition against the centre, thousands were objecting to proposals for the Prairie playing fields and opposition was growing to plans to build a cricket club at Fulledge recreation ground said Mr Marsden.

He added: "It is time that Burnley Council took notice of what the people of Burnley were saying."

He added: "We are extremely concerned that the proposed leisure centre is not commercially viable commercially and that either we end up in a few years time with uncompleted or abandoned buildings on the site or that attempts are made to apply for wider planning permission.

"Any such attempt will be strongly opposed. For this reason we hope that if the development goes ahead it is a success."

Local businessman Andrew brown plans to provide the large leisure facility including major equestrian, tennis, swimming facilities and a woodland on a 100-acre site at Crow Wood House Farm, Ightenhill.

He hopes to have the facility up and running by the end of next year with the creation of 40 full-time or equivalent jobs.