THE representative of a developer stressed its commitment to a suburban area as councillors approved its proposals to build a one-bedroomed cottage onto a former suburban pub.

ALB Properties want to add the extension to the one-time Junction Hotel in Rosegrove Lane, Burnley, which the firm had previously converted into four homes.

The new cottage in the yard of the 19th Century former pub, which closed four years ago, was approved by Burnley Council's Development Control Committee on Thursday.

The scheme, which had been reduced down in size from an original three bedrooms, generated a total of 13 letters of objection concerned with parking, road safety, use of a back alley, noise and loss of light.

Noel Anderson of ALB Properties told the committee: "I would like to assure everyone that we are investing in the area in Rosegrove. We did buy the Junction Inn Hotel and turn it in to four quality affordable homes which we are keeping. We have no plans to sell.

"We've amended the plans significantly to suit concerns from residents. We want to start straight away. We believe in Rosegrove."

Council planning officer Erika Eden-Porter said: "The proposal with its robust design, simple detailing and well-proportioned format will sit comfortably within the street scene.”

The scheme was approved with 13 conditions.