BURNLEY councillors have failed to reach a decision about a controversial plan to replace a pub with a housing complex.

Instead, councillors voted at a town hall meeting last night to allow planning officers to reach a verdict about the Manor Barn pub. It means that people living close to the pub in Padiham Road, some of whom spoke at the meeting, are left wondering if the pub will be demolished and replaced with town houses and flats.

Although members of the council's development control committee voted to defer making a decision, some councillors were not happy with the move.

Former Mayor Gordon Birtwistle said: "I am a little concerned about delegating so many issues. As a committee I feel we should know what is going on before approving the plans."

But Councillor Birtwistle was given assurances by officers.

Head of planning, Sue Graham, said: "We are close to getting these issues resolved and this is not an unusual situation. In this case we have drawings showing the general design and I think we have as much information as you are ever going to get."

Residents close to Manor Barn raised concerns about drainage, sewers, footpath and the general appearance of the development.

The plans will mean the loss of a public house in the area, which has been closed since April, but the council does not have a policy to protect pubs.

A council spokesman said: "There are several design and layout issues to be discussed with the developer to ensure that the council's standards are complied with.

"The frontage to Padiham Road should be of a high standard of design and materials in view of its prominent nature on a main route in the borough.

"I would also wish to ensure that the trees and hedges are retained as far as possible. In particular, one of the significant trees on the site is affected by the erection of the garage block."