PLANNING permission for the building of two homes in the rear garden of The Willows in Sunnyhurst has been granted despite concerns over using a back alley for access.

Owner Mr and Mrs A Crook asked permission to build a pair of three-bedroomed town houses behind the detached property and car repair garage on Almond Street.

Blackburn with Darwen planning and highways committee debated the application at its meeting this month because of six objections by neighbours.

Fernhurst Tory councillor Jackie Slater and her Sudell Lib Dem colleague Paul Browne expressed concern about the access to the new semi-detached properties.

He said: “It’s a back street. Will cars be able to get in and out?”

Roe Lee Labour councillor Phil Riley said the access was messy but feasible.

The application was approved after planning officials advised: “While back-street access should not be encouraged for news residential development, Almond Street is not a through route and is blocked off, resulting in low traffic movements.

“Due to the existing vehicular movements on the back street the proposal is supported.”