A Sharples homeowner was allowed a big extension to their home amid concern from a councillor for the area.

The applicant, Shabana Mughal, applied for planning permission for the site on Springfield Road on June 20.

At a meeting of the Planning Committee last week, the homeowner was allowed a big extension to their home taking it from a three-bedroom house to a five-bedroom house with a kitchen area, a living area, a prayer room and a snug among other rooms. This is in addition to a balcony on the first floor.

The architect, Scott Wilkinson, of SH Wilkinson Architects Ltd, appealed for planning permission to be approved at the meeting at the town hall.

(Image: SH Wilkinson Architects Ltd) Mr Wilkinson said: "We're working with the authorities along with the applicant to produce a proposal which is subordinate to the street scene."

There was concern from a councillor for the area, John Walsh, who is chair of the Planning Committee.

However he was the only one to vote against approval versus the 18 councillors to vote for approval.

(Image: SH Wilkinson Architects Ltd) Cllr Walsh said: "I have had representations from residents because there is a concern the properties on the odd side of Springfield Road are at a lower level. 

"The representations are it has a dominating impact on the properties on the odd side of Springfield Road. The residents are very, very concerned as it stands."

Rob Morrisey, a councillor for Breightmet Ward and vice-chair of the Planning Committee, said: "I disagree I do not think it has a dominating impact. There is not a great difference in height so I do not think this is a great issue.

"There is a balcony next door as well and it overlooks the front [of the properties] not the back [of the properties] so I do not think this is a great issue either."

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.