PLANS to build a block of three garages in Trawden have been deferred by Pendle Council following objections from local residents.

At a meeting of Colne and District Committee a resident of Hollin Hall, whose house would overlook the three prefabricated buildings, spoke out against them.

Steve Parker said: "I would have less objection to it if they were going to be screened, but I am still very concerned about what we are doing to Trawden and particularly Hollin Hall.

"Prefabricated garages are not appropriate for the area which is of outstanding natural beauty and if anything should become a conservation area."

His view was supported by council leader Coun Alan Davies, who said: "This is an area that ought to have conservation status and so I have serious reservations about standing prefabricated garages on a spot like that."

Amendments to the plans, including some landscaping to provide screening, were submitted at the 11th hour, which meant planning officers changed their recommendation of refusal to one of approval.

But Coun Davies called on the committee to defer the decision so that members of the public and the parish council, who had objected, could be given time to consider the amendments.

This was backed by members and the application was deferred for a month for further consultation.