A COUNCIL was criticised for including information about an applicant's religious background on a planning application.

At the development control committee, Brenda Wilkinson, secretary of the Rossendale Chartists, spoke on behalf of the applicant who wants to build a detached home for his family on council land at the rear of Co-operation Street and Rosevale Street, Cloughfold. Three of his children have disabilities

The report to councillors stated that the applicant had cultural, religious and social links with Peter Street Mosque and the local Punjabi community,

Mrs Wilkinson said: "This comment directs to his Asian heritage and that is not relevant."

Councillors agreed the comment should not have been contained in the report.

A resident spoke out against the application saying, although the site was dilapidated it could be used to benefit the community as a whole and create an amenity for everyone

The application site encompasses the Bank Top garage colony but the site is underused.

Coun Bill Challinor said: "The principal is OK but I am not happy about the problems of access across the site."

Coun Graham Pearson said the application had been discussed for nearly three years and now needed determining.

He said: "We would put ourselves in a difficult position if we refused the application but it detracts from the district plan and would have to be referred to the Government Office North West."

Councillors approved the application and as residents left they called out 'that's a disgrace' and 'absolutely appalling'.