The application seeks permission for two residential pitches.

Retrospective plans have been submitted to establish a two-pitch gypsy and traveller family site on green belt land in Hapton.

The application, relating to Knotts Bridge Farm on Magnesium Way, seeks permission for two residential pitches, a day room and an extension to an existing agricultural building.

The proposals have been submitted to Burnley Council and would accommodate two related families, comprising four adults and four children.

According to a planning statement prepared by MAT Design Limited, the 0.35-hectare site has been occupied for residential purposes since early 2020.

The land lies between the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and the M65, with access from Magnesium Way.

Although the site is designated green belt, the applicant argues it should be considered 'grey belt' because of its location alongside existing roads and development.

The planning statement also questions Burnley Council's approach to providing accommodation for Gypsy and Traveller families, claiming its assessment of local demand is outdated.

It argues there are no suitable alternative pitches available in the borough and that the council has failed to make adequate provision for future needs.

The statement says: "Two related Gypsy and Traveller families would live in the site and seek to make this their home to provide a secure and settled base."

It adds that having a permanent home would allow the families to access education, healthcare and other essential services, with two of the children already attending school in Oswaldtwistle.

The applicants maintain that the development would not cause unacceptable harm to the surrounding area or highway safety.

Proposed landscaping measures include native hedgerows, screening around the static homes and improvements to encourage wildlife.

The statement concludes that the families' circumstances, together with the claimed shortage of suitable accommodation, outweigh any potential harm to the green belt.

The retrospective application will now be considered by Burnley Council.