PLANS to build two houses in a village have been approved -- even though objections were received from Australia!

Members of Blackburn with Darwen's planning and highways committee were astonished to receive the objection from down under on the proposed building of two new houses within the garden of Windy Acre, School Lane, Edgworth.

For, along with an objection from the Turton Civic Trust, who accused the would-be developers of greed, was a letter from A & E Bellis, who gave their address as Strathalbyn, South Australia.

Coun Jean Rigby said: "I think this is the furthest away we have ever had an objection for a planning application. The people who have written to complain live half the year just up the road from the site and spend the other half in Australia. They must have been informed about it by neighbours."

In the letter, the couple wrote: "We object to the two additional dwellings in the garden of Windy Acre because it will create additional traffic in an already sensitive area. There is already an ongoing problem at the junction of School Lane and Blackburn Road in terms of traffic problems. We would expect a reduction in our rates to compensate for reduction of amenities such as the inevitable deterioration of the road surface."

A spokesman for the Turton Civic Trust commented: "This appears to be another case of greed before need which is plaguing our area.

"The council needs to take action to stop people with half a decent garden cashing it in for new houses which are to the detriment of the whole village."

The councillors approved the plan for the new homes but did ask for details of materials to be used on the houses.