Members of Pendle Council's West Craven Committee gave that reassurance as plans for the conversion of a garage and extensions to the ground and first floor, at a semi-detached house in Heather Brow were passed.

Mr Stewart Hoyle said he had no major objection to an extension, it was the drainage issue. "This development will cover the inspection chamber at the back and this might not be a planning matter, but it is important given the flooding in the town last year," said Mr Hoyle.

He added the extension would be like turning a semi into a quasi and would be totally inappropriate.

Mrs Norma Kendall, another neighbour, said all residents should be told about planned extensions like the one proposed, not just immediate neighbours so everyone had a chance to comment.

Responding to Mr Hoyle's concerns, plannning officer Shelley Coffey said the drainage issue was not something that could be used to justify refusal of planning permission as such matters were dealt with at the next stage by building contol officers.

"A development needs planning approval and building regulations approval, both of which concentrate on different issues," she explained.
"Both are needed for the development to go ahead."

After a prolonged discussion, members agreed to approve the application, albeit reluctantly, in the knowledge that if they turned it down, that decision would probably be overturned on appeal.