A ROW between neighbours in Trawden came to a head at a meeting of Pendle Council's Colne Committee.

Village shop owner Graham Spencer was granted planning permission to build a two-storey house next to the store in Lanehouse, on the site of a current garage and storeroom.

But a neighbour, Mark Gardner, objected to the plans on the grounds that the parking situation in the village would be made worse.

And Steve Smart, chairman of the Trawden Community Group which had been formed to fight the proposals, told the committee he felt scaffolding during the work could have an adverse effect on the village green.

Mr Gardner said: "Parking is a problem in Trawden and by taking away the garage space it will cause more of a problem. Cars are already parking on the bus turnaround and we also need space for customers to park outside the shop."

Mr Spencer said the house would be let out and the extra income would help him keep the shop going in the village.

He said: "If a dozen people come to the shop at the same time there can be a problem with parking, but this clears in a few minutes. My neighbours knew they were moving near a shop when they bought their properties. Without development Trawden would still be a forest."

Coun Alan Davies said: "Every time a planning application comes up with Trawden in its title we finish up as referees. We have no grounds on which to turn it down."

Mr Spencer was granted planning permission for the two-storey house with integral garage.