A PLAN to extend house gardens over open land would sever a 200-year-old public track, councillors have been told.

The proposal to change vacant land to garden areas at the back of three homes in Hempshaw Avenue, Loveclough, has drawn objection from other residents who say the track, from Goodshaw Avenue North to Hameldon Road, is well used by the public, forms a wildlife habitat and provides a pleasant walk through trees.

United Utilities have also objected to the scheme, stating they need access to water mains running under the land.

And now council officers have joined the outcry against the plan -- urging Tuesday's meeting of Rossendale council's planning sub committee to reject it.