PLANNING permission for a new multi-million pound school in Darwen has been granted.

But objectors to the £35million Academy were upset after claiming they were only given 24 hours notice about last night's meeting.

And despite a last minute plea to give residents more time to air their views, councillors on Blackburn with Darwen Council's planning committee ploughed ahead with the plans.

Letters to all interested parties were sent out after the meeting's agenda was finalised last Wednesday.

But because of the Christmas post many people claimed they didn't receive them until the middle of this week, leaving it almost impossible to raise further concerns.