More than 50 residents have submitted a second petition to a council complaining of inconsistent planning decisions about rear dormer extensions to houses in a conservation area.

The document was initiated by Yasin Khonat, whose retrospective planning application for his home in Brantfell Road in Blackburn's Corporation Park Conservation area was refused in December 2021.

He than appealed the decision, which was upheld by a government inspector in March last year.

In March he submitted a new and amended application to Blackburn with Darwen Council for backdated approval and also sent a 54-signature petition to the authority.

Now he has sent an identically-worded 53-signature petition to the authority while his revised application is considered.

Planning manager Gavin Prescott told last week's planning committee, which noted receipt of the petition: "The petition has been submitted specifically in support of dormer extensions to houses within the Conservation Area, with specific reference made to the wards in Corporation Park.

"In response to the petitioner’s perception that the advice they receive is predominantly negative relating to proposals for rear dormer extensions in the conservation area, this is acknowledged by officers as families wish to extend their homes.

"However, it should be noted planning officers always try and suggest revisions to a proposed scheme where appropriate to make it more acceptable from a design perspective that respects the character and appearance of the conservation area, and harmonises with the host property.

"Had the applicant submitted a pre-application enquiry prior to the construction of the dormer, the applicant would have clearly been made aware the proposal would not be supported emphasising the reason why."

The petition says: "We are petitioning against Blackburn with Darwen Council for their refusal of rear dormer extensions in the conservation area of Corporation Park.

"There are inconsistencies within the council with permission being granted to properties in other conservation areas however rejected within this particular conservation area.

"Residents of Corporation Park conservation area, which includes Brantfell Road and surrounding areas, feel dissatisfied with the council's ambiguous rulings, no clear guidance and failure to compromise on such decisions.

"As a community we have no objection against this dormer extension and are in full support of planning permission being approved.

"As the demand for larger properties increases and with the current rise in the cost of living many, families are now opting for dormer extensions to provide a home for their growing families."