A Rossendale family who bought land next to their home in an auction, because they feared it could be developed in a way they disliked, have gained permission to build a bungalow there.

Resident and applicant Stephen Draper, of Goodshaw Avenue North, Loveclough, has been granted planning permission by Rossendale Council for a four-bedroom bungalow on land off Goodshaw Avenue North.

He has worked with Bacup-based  Edmondson Design Services on the plan.

Mr Draper’s son, Joseph, explained the family’s story at a Rossendale Council development committee meeting last week (Sept 5), where the plan was considered.

Objections had been raised by some Loveclough neighbours, especially about distances between their homes and the proposed new bungalow. But planning officers said the plan was acceptable and recommended councillors to approve it.

Speaking at the meeting, planning officer Claire Bradley said there had been 17 objections including concerns about privacy, traffic, a junction, over-development and the design not being in-keeping with the area.

She added: “The plan has been amended, siting the proposed home at an angle so it appears further back. It is finely balanced. There would also be bio-diversity gain for the site, under the plans.”

One objector, neighbour Helen McLenahan, then spoke.

She said: “I am speaking on behalf of myself and neighbours, Mr and Mrs Moore, and I have provided a substantial report with objections.

“This application does not support the local plan and conflicts with it in places. It will have a negative impact on six out of 10 issues. Most significant is the issue of the distances from the proposed bungalow and my and neighbours’ properties. ”

Mrs McLenahan queried some of the distances shown on plans and said more investigation was needed. She also suggested the number of planning conditions recommended with approval showed the plan was pushing the limits of acceptability.

She added: “I have never seen an application like this with 14 conditions.”

Then Joseph Draper spoke in support of the plan, on behalf of his parents.

He said: “We are long-time residents in Rossendale. We have lived in the area for over 20 years and never expected to be here in these circumstances.

“But the land next to our house went up for auction in 2020. There were ideas put forward at the time, everything from a house to apartments, that we were concerned about, given that we lived right next to it. My parents decided to bid for the land, to preserve the view and have their say on its future.

“One idea was for a single house. We got good feedback from the council. But when we put in the the first application, there were some issues regarding the height, materials, ecology and other things. So we withdrew it and made changes.

“Now, this application is for a single-storey bungalow to address the concerns. Materials include natural stone, which has a long-lasting, pleasing appearance. And we have managed to get bio-diversity gain there.

“We are life-long Rossendale residents. We have got the best interests of our neighbours at heart.”

Labour Coun Patrick Marriott asked if it was a ‘self-build’ project and Joseph said: “Yes, that’s the intention.”

Self-building is typically where someone, or a group, plan, design and build their own property, from start to finish.

Labour Coun Christine Gill asked if there was a stream near the site, about flooding risks and trees. She said: “I went to look at the site. There are some lovely trees there. Do they have tree protection orders?”

Planning officer Claire Bradley, said: “There is a small stream which runs into a meadow at the rear but no flooding risk. There are no tree protection orders at the moment. But they will be retained under the plan.”

Labour Coun Danielle Ashworth asked planning officers about distances between properties.

Claire Bradley replied: “I’ve checked the on-line plan and distances appear to be correct. It’s over 20 metres between the proposed house and Mrs McLenahan’s home, and its similar with the other property. At the back, it’s 23 metres. Distances are as they should be. ”

Labour Coun Patrick Marriott said: “A lot of work has gone into this application to satisfy concerns and council policies. I think there is sufficient weight in all this to support the officers’ recommendation.”

The plan was approved by the majority of councillors. Two abstained.