Two caravans are to be replaced by a new bungalow on open land formerly used as a stable and allotment.

Michael Young has been given planning permission to build the two-bedroomed home at the rear of a site in Sandy Lane, Lower Darwen.

Approval was granted despite six objections from neighbours concerned about anti-social activity at the site, including late night noise and fires.

The current unauthorised occupation of the site by two touring caravans was also raised by the nearby residents.

Blackburn with Darwen Council planning committee on Thursday night granted permission for the development.

Principal planning officer Martin Kenny told councillors: "The proposal will deliver a high-quality bespoke housing development which will widen the choice of family housing,

"The application site relates to a parcel of land positioned to the rear of numbers 136 to 142 Sandy Lane and to the west of the Dale View housing estate.

"The site is known to have previously formed part of a larger area occupied by allotment and stable buildings.

"However, the site has been cleared of vegetation and currently contains two touring caravans, and associated outbuildings - none of which have the benefit of planning approval.

"Full planning permission is sought for erection of a two bedroom bungalow.

"The property would be positioned approximately central within the plot.

"Access to the site is proposed via the existing splayed gated entrance that adjoins the back street serving properties on Sandy Lane.

"Members are advised the applicant has confirmed there is no intention to have touring caravans within the application site once the bungalow is constructed.

"Public objections, in part, address issues relating to anti-social activity at the site, including late night noise and fires.

"Members are advised the concerns relating to any unauthorised development within the site and associated activity are not material when considering the current proposal for a bungalow.

"The proposed dwelling harmonises effectively with the adjacent, modern, Dale View development.

"The proposal also represents an opportunity to remove unauthorised development from the site.

"It is acknowledged that the back street is un-adopted and currently uneven and unsurfaced.

" Given the historic use of part of the land as a stable it has been demonstrated that cars, horse boxes and vehicles of a larger nature have all accessed the site on a regular basis using the existing access arrangements."

Blackburn South and Lower Darwen Conservative Cllr Jacquie Slater said: "A bungalow is better then having two caravans on the site."