PLANS to convert a garden area into a school car park have been given the green-light by council bosses despite safety concerns.

Proposals submitted to Hyndburn Council to convert the garden area near Orchard Street Methodist Church in Great Harwood into a 13-space car park. have gone before the planning committee.

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

Seven letters of objection were sent to the council against the plans stating it would increase noise, disruption and be detrimental to the wildlife of the area.

However councillors sitting on the planning committee voted in favour of the plans, agreeing with the recommendations from the planning officers.

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."