PLANS for an extension at Shuttleworth’s Fisherman’s Retreat have been approved despite some neighbours objecting to building on greenbelt land.

The application for the extension to the restaurant and bar of 10 bedrooms including car parking was approved by Rossendale Council’s development control committee.

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Council officers recommended that the application for the Riding Head Lane restaurant be refused because of the impact it would have on the greenbelt.

Plans for a 40-bed extension in the same grounds were refused in 2010 and further plans in 2014 for to build 19 rooms were rejected due to the impact on the greenbelt and highways issues.

The restaurant is a popular wedding venue and the owners hope that the extension would allow for guests to stay at the venue.

Despite the need for tourist accommodation, the council officers recommended that the application be refused because of its impact on the greenbelt.

However, councillors decided to vote in favour of the application.

The reason that the approval was given was because: “Members felt the application met the special circumstances as it would create employment, tourism and was within the original building footprint.”

The application by Hervey Magnall said that the accommodation could potentially bring £840,000 to the community with guests spending money locally when they stay.

The application said: “The proposed development would provide a modest, high-quality facility which would create a sustainable future for the existing business and would secure the long-term employment of the 30 existing staff at the Fisherman’s Retreat and also provide further job opportunities for the local community.

“There is a clear and identified need for overnight visitor accommodation in the borough in the Rossendale Tourism Study.”

The application had four letters of objection and three letters of support.

Objections included inappropriate green belt development, no evidence of demand, neighbourhood amenity impact and increased traffic.

Supporters said it would provide jobs and would also decrease traffic locally after events at the pub.

The application was approved with conditions that it be built within 18 months and also highways conditions relating to signage and footpaths.