A controversial scheme to add a 'granny' annexe to a proposed village barn conversion, submitted by a relative of a borough planning manager, is to be debated by councillors.

Graham Prescott is seeking approval for the double-storey side extension and to add to the garden at the property at Ryal Fold Barn in Tockholes.

But his proposal has generated six objections from three nearby households.

As he is related to Blackburn with Darwen Council planning manager Gavin Prescott, his application will now be debated on Thursday night by the authority's planning committee.

An officer's report recommends the granting of permission subject to 10 conditions.

The conversion of the barn into a three-bedroomed home was approved in September 2021.

Now Graham Prescott wants to add a two-storey side extension lounge, kitchen and toilet room on the ground floor with one bedroom and shower room on the first floor off the proposed barn conversion for use by a relative.

But the objectors have raised his relationship to the other Mr Prescott the potential for harmful landscape impacts, the nearby presence of listed buildings and the fact that trees have been previously felled on site in their representations.

They also object to the extension of the garden 'suburbanising' the rural area, the design of the annexe, including a glazed link to the main house, and the obscuring of views of Darwen Tower.

The committee report by planning officer Christian Barton reads: "The application site is a barn and associated grounds, within the hamlet of Tockholes.

"The building currently benefits from an extant permission to be converted into a dwelling.

"This application broadly involves extending the garden area of Ryal Fold Barn and erecting a two-storey side extension to form a one bedroom annexe for use by a relative.

"Once extended, the garden area would be circa 0.3 acres in area.

"Public comments have been received regarding the response dates displayed on public consultation documents and the fact that the applicant is related to the Blackburn with Darwen planning manager.

"The response dates displayed on public consultation documents invariably differ when multiple documents are issued.

"Re-consultation letters have also been posted and the correct notification procedures have been duly followed.

"The fact that the applicant is related to the planning manager has emerged during the course of the application.

"An amended application form has been submitted acknowledging that fact.

"The application is being referred to committee for determination to ensure further transparency in the decision making process.

"Whilst the proposed annexe extension will be a noticeable addition within the setting of the listed buildings, its design and materials would be sympathetic to both the existing barn and the nearby listed buildings."