PLANS to expand the Life Church, in Sycamore Avenue, have been given more time by Burnley Council.

Councillors on the executive committee voted to extend the deadline for the church to repay money due to the council to December 2012.

The Life Church took over the site of the former Gannow baths from the council in 2009 at a cost of £238,500.

Shortly after planning permission was granted to build around 34 houses on part of the site with the church getting a new base there as well.

Coun Roger Frost said: “Council officers have been working with the Church to address issues that local residents have raised, and all signs are that things are moving in the right direction.

“We recognise that downturns in the economy have meant that the church hasn’t been able to develop the site in the way originally envisaged, or as quickly as they would like.

“This council decision is the reasonable one which gives space and time for the church to do the work that is needed and raise their funds.”

A council spokesman said that the money still owed to the council related to the “agreement made between the council and church in relation to the development of the former baths site”.

The Life Church is holding a drop in session for local residents about their scheme for developing the site on Wednesday between 5pm and 6.45pm.