A FAMILY has been allowed to make a small farm into a family home after a councillor described the applicant as an "environmental hero".

Burnley development control sub-committee dismissed planning officers' claims that Edward Whittle's plans for Jumb Hole, Cliviger, were out of keeping with the area.

But Coun Tony Harrison addressed the committee on Mr Whittle's behalf.

He asked for the extension to be allowed because the family of four had been living in the two up two down farm with no bathroom.

He said: "In my eyes Mr Whittle is a hero environmentally and it was thanks to him we found out about Railtrack chopping trees down.

"Because of him we were able to change their plans and get them to plant more trees."

Coun Philip Walsh said: "This house is in the back of beyond, next to the railway and can't be seen from the road.

"Other houses in the village have similar extensions."

Planning officer Paul Skinner said the building was an 18th century laithe farm and attached barn which was characteristic of the the Pennine Area and the plans were not sympathetic to the type of house. Coun Arthur Park said: "What are we to do?

"If we follow officer's recommendations and refuse are we to stand by and watch as this building falls into decay for the sake of a window or a doorway?

"They are not going to build something out of breeze blocks with a tin roof. It will be in sympathy with the area.

"What are we doing here - lets have some common sense as well as planning law brought into these applications."

Officers wanted delegated permission to allow more time to agree roof heights, but councillors voted to grant permission without the need for further consultation.

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