PLANS to convert a garden area into a school car park are being backed for approval despite safety concerns.

Plans were submitted to Hyndburn Council earlier this year to convert the garden area near Orchard Street Methodist Church in Great Harwood into a 13-space car park.

The proposed change of use would provide off-street parking for the former church next door which is now being used as a Muslim school.

However residents said it would cause greater noise and disruption and be detrimental to the wildlife of the area.

Councillors have been recommended to approve the proposals at a meeting on Wednesday.

Seven letters of objection have been sent to the council against the plans.

Orchard Street resident Rebecca Haworth said: “The reason I bought my house is because of the garden and the trees.

“I do not wish for the extra traffic in an already built up area.

“My children play on the street and this will affect their safety. This is not something that should be done in such a small community space.

“This really makes me sad.”

Another Orchard Street resident said: “The proposed car park will undoubtedly increase the risk of many people parking up at night undertaking chosen activities that may require police intervention.

“A car park will result in more traffic passing through, increasing the risk to children and elderly residents.

“The subsequent noise and disruption will cause disharmony among the neighbouring community. There is wildlife to consider also.”

Another Orchard Street resident Laura Andrews said the area needs work but ‘couldn’t think of anything worse’ than it being turned into a car park.

She said: “I love the trees and rocks and my cats play there and so do local kids.

“It needs tidying up and removal of rubbish dumped there but the local community are willing to help.

The application, submitted by Mujeeb Rehman, involves the land being covered in tarmac and will feature two disabled parking spots.

A report from planning bosses said the site is overgrown and appears not to have been maintained for some time.

A planning committee report said: “The proposed development is considered to be acceptable in terms of its impact on amenity and with regard to highways matters."