COUNCIL chiefs have granted a licence for a new caravan site in Longridge.

The site, at Lower Moss Farm in Lower Lane, will contain 21 ‘delux’ timber chalets and is due to open in May.

Farmer David Rainford, said he was forced to ‘diversify’ due to the current economic climate which has hit farmers hard.

He said: “The main aim is to provide holiday accommodation for tourists, but some of the lodges will also be for sale as holiday homes.

“But we are hoping that once it is open it will attract more visitors to the area and so increase footfall to other local businesses.”

An open weekend will be held at the farm in May with tourists and prospective buyers shown around a completed lodge.

Each measures 20 metres in length and is around seven metres wide.

The original planning consent for the site was granted in 2007.

Matthew Riding, the Environmental Health Officer from Ribble alley Borough Council, said: “A condition will be included in the site licence which stipulates that the chalets shall only be used for the purpose of holiday accommodation and not as a permanent residence.”

Last year, plans for a static caravan holiday park on vacant land at Aspinall Farm to the west of Brockhall Village towards Dinckley and Old Langho were given the go-ahead by planners.

Owners of the Dinckely-based Simpson Farm Dairies are planning to build 20 caravans, a warden unit, reception building and a grounds maintenance store.