A DARWEN family have been given planning permission to build a ‘granny’ bungalow in their garden despite a bitter row over the protection of nearby trees.

Marcella Bird, from The Coach House in Turncroft Road, Marsh House, attended Blackburn with Darwen planning committee in person last month – to plead for approval of the scheme.

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Officers had recommended that councillors reject the proposal because of the possible impact on the neighbouring Turncroft woodland.

After Mrs Bird said she and her husband had altered the scheme to move the bungalow away from the trees, the plan was approved subject to conditions being imposed to preserve the woodland.

The dwelling is intended for the couple’s parents.

When the application came back to the committee for final approval, Sudell Liberal Democrat Paul Browne refused for the second time.

He said the woodland and one particularly fine tree nearest the proposed bungalow would still be at risk.

And he accused Labour of playing politics with the application and some committee members of failing to attend site meetings.

Cllr Browne said: “We all say we should not play politics with this committee but that is what Labour is doing.

“These trees need protecting and will be at risk if this plan goes ahead.”

Chairman Dave Smith backed the plan saying: “We should approve this plan.

“We have decided on appropriate safeguards to ensure the trees are protected going forward.”

The committee voted to give final approval for the scheme with the conditions to protect the woodland despite opposition from Cllr Browne.

The Coach House is in the original grounds of Turncroft Hall, Darwen’s oldest property, dating back to the 15th century.

Mrs Bird’s original scheme was rejected by borough planners in March because of fears over woodland safety.