An extension to a moorland home converted out of a 19th Century barn has been given planning permission despite objections from five nearby residents and a Labour councillor about its impact on the surrounding countryside.

The building work to Entwistle Hall Barn in Entwistle Hall Lane, Edgworth, can now go ahead.

Owners Mr and Mrs Schofield want to demolish an existing detached garage and replacement it with a proposed two-storey extension incorporating a recessed first floor terrace area and to connect the two parts of the property with a glazed first-floor link.

Their proposal was debated by Blackburn with Darwen Council's planning committee on Thursday night because of the objections from the five neighbours including residents from the nearby heritage-listed Entwistle Hall and Entwistle Cottage.

They were concerned about the loss of privacy and the impact on the surrounding protected Green Belt West Pennine Moors countryside.

These were echoed at the meeting by Darwen South ward's Cllr Matt Jackson who said the size of the extension was too large to be appropriate to its its Green Belt location.

But planning manager Gavin Prescott told him: "Assessment of the application finds the proposal is consistent with Green Belt policy.

"It is also acceptable in terms of its size, scale and appearance."

The committee voted to approve the extension with five conditions.

Cllr Jackson voted against granting it permission.

A report to the meeting by Mr Prescott said: "The application site relates to a detached two-storey residential barn conversion, located within a substantial plot.

"Earlier extensions include the detached garage on the site of the current application and a contemporary addition to the north elevation, which replaced an earlier piggery structure.

"The proposal seeks to demolish the existing detached garage and erect a two-storey contemporary extension on the same footprint.

"The extension will be connected to the main dwelling via a first floor structural contemporary glazed link.

"The ground floor of the extension would be accessed from the front and is to provide access to a dog washing area and a gym.

"The first floor is to be cantilevered overhanging the east side of the ground floor which would facilitate a master suite, dressing area, en-suite and terrace area.

"The increase in volume from the original dwelling is 39 per cent.

"The development would be visually contained, not being readily visible from public vantage points / key viewpoints in the immediate area.

"Therefore, from a visual standpoint, the development would have limited impact on spatial qualities of Green Belt openness."