AN HISTORIC village beauty spot which was bulldozed by developers several years ago looks set to be turned into a nature reserve.

Conservationists were outraged when the Hic Bibi clay pit site off Coppull Moor Lane, Coppull, was churned up in spring 1990 destroying a natural habitat for rare plants and animals.

But now Chorley Borough Council plans to transform it into a nature reserve with the help of Heritage Lottery Fund cash.

A report on the proposal went before the borough's planning committee on Tuesday night when councillors were recommended by officers to give it the go-ahead.

The committee was told the land is currently unused and has naturally revegetated and been recolonised by various animals, birds, flowers, reptiles and insects.

The site is a Biological Heritage Site, Site of Importance for Nature Conservation, a great crested newt site and recognised by English Nature, Lancashire Trust for Nature Conservation and the Chorley and District Natural History Society.

Chorley Borough Council is leasing the land from Northern Venture plc.

Standish-based housebuilder Wain Developments caused uproar when, as revealed by the Citizen at the time, they bulldozed the site claiming nobody told them of its ecological importance.

The land was used for driving off-road vehicles and the company even considered seeking planning permission for a tip.

The derelict site was said to be the most northerly breeding ground of the harvest mouse and reputed to be an important Civil War battle ground.

Local historians claim it was christened Hic Bibi - meaning "Here I Drink" - by Oliver Cromwell.

Only one objection, from an adjoining landowner, about the nature reserve has been sent to the council.

He claims part of the application site is on land he owns. But the council says it holds it on a 999-year lease.

A council spokesman said:"The overall cost of the scheme is £48,000 and we are looking for at least £29,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

"Lancashire County Council, Coppull Parish Council, English Nature and Groundwork Trust are all likely to contribute and we are looking for contributions in kind from BTCV and Lancashire Wildlife Trust with labour costs and specialist advice.

"We are hoping to hear from the Heritage Lottery Fund in next couple of weeks and are hopeful of a positive decision in our favour."

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