RESIDENTS opposing a £2million building at Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School in Waterfoot have vowed to fight on after councillors asked for more time to consider the plans.

Lancashire County Council is looking to build an L-shaped music, performing arts and drama building which education chiefs claim is "vital" to ensure the school is able to give the 1,250 students "the 21st century facilities they deserve".

However residents, still reeling from recent the approval of a sports hall scheme at the site, are urging planning chiefs to throw out the plan.

They fear the building would block out the sun, increase traffic congestion and noise and invade the privacy of residents in nearby Booth Road and Mount Road.

And yesterday after hearing concerns of residents and those behind the plans, members at a meeting of Lancashire County Council's development control committee voted eight to seven to defer a decision in order to seek answers about the concerns. After the meeting, Booth Road resident Joan Ellison said she was disappointed the committee had not rejected the plan but vowed to fight on.

She added: "I feel like we have been brow beaten to be honest and am not pleased about it at all. But we live to fight another day, that's all we can do.

"We are opposing it as such a domineering and intimidating building which will cut through our sun light and invade our privacy."

Earlier head of the council's development control group, Stuart Perigo, had played down the concerns.

He said: "It is acknowledged that there will be an impact but it is a question of balance.

"This development will not lead to increased traffic it is accepted there is a problem with traffic in the area but that is not uncommon for many, many schools." He added that developers had tweaked the plan following concerns including moving a corner of the building three metres further away from neighbouring houses and ensuring windows were frosted and not overlooking properties.

Headteacher Marc Morris stressed the building was "much needed" to "have the facilities that the majority of other schools take for granted."

But some councillors were not convinced and opposed the plans.

Rossendale councillor Jimmy Eaton said: "I consider this over development and should not be approved. It would bring a loss of trees, wildlife, increased noise and the shear height of the building, some 30-35 ft high, would bring a visual intrusion and overlook onto the bungalows."