A COUNCILLOR accused of breaching planning rules said he had been "vindicated" following a decision not to investigate him.

Coun Paul Browne was reported to The Standards Board for England by Coun John Smith, chairman of the borough planning committee.

It had been claimed that Coun Browne had broken planning rules over a proposed a takeaway in Bridge Street, Darwen - the plan for which has since been refused.

Under local government rules, councillors on the planning committee are not allowed to make up their mind about an application before a meeting.

A councillor found to be breaking the rules could face suspension.

But in August, before the takeaway application went to the planning committee, Coun Browne had told the Telegraph: "We do not need another takeaway.

"There are so many in Darwen - about 30. We need skips to clear up the rubbish they create from their customers. There is no scope for another."

Coun Browne said he had spoken out because he felt strongly that there were already too many takeaways in Darwen.

At the planning meeting Coun Browne spoke out again against the application but still found himself been accused of breaching planning rules.

Coun Browne said a letter sent to him stated the allegations had been dropped on the grounds that his input could not have swayed the vote as the application was recommended for refusal anyway. And he vowed not to be silenced from representing his constituents and having his say.

He said: "This entire thing has been ridiculous.

"Common sense has prevailed The takeaway was, of course, refused. That is what the people wanted. The other councillors backed me as well so I was only speaking the truth."

A spokesman for the Standards Board said: "We received a complaint on October 5. The complaint was looked into. It was decided not to refer the matter for a full investigation."