A couple who resubmitted plans to build an eco-home on their land have finally had their application approved.

Mathew and Janine Nelson applied to Pendle Council in summer 2023 to build a five-bedroom, self-build, eco-home, with an integral garage and new access lane, at land they own in Wheatley Lane Road, Barrowford.

Mr and Mrs Nelson have lived in Wheatley Lane Road for the last 21 years, where they have brought up their three children and work locally.

Their existing property is a three-storey semi-detached five-bedroom home with a detached triple garage, sitting within a half-acre plot, which they own.

Several amendments were made to the plans, in August and September, however, following comments from Barrowford Parish Council, Growth Lancashire, and a number of objections from neighbouring residents, about damage to the conservation area, the application was withdrawn at the beginning of October 2023.

READ MORE: Plans to build eco home in Wheatley Lane Road submitted

It was not clear at the time whether the Nelsons were planning to re-submit an application, but they did towards the end of October, with amendments, and at the beginning of December their plans were finally approved by Pendle Council.

The conservation consultant from Growth Lancashire confirmed there would be no harm to the conservation area following this resubmission. 

READ MORE: Couple withdraw plans for eco home in Wheatley Lane Road

A number of objections from the public were again lodged after the Nelsons re-applied for planning permission, but two supportive comments came from a couple of residents living nearby.

One read: “I’ve seen the plans for their proposed house and think it’s absolutely fantastic.

“We should be championing design like this and be more forward-thinking.

“I used to live directly opposite their house, and you can’t actually see into their back garden anyway, which is a shame in some ways, because the new house would be something to behold.

While another letter of support read: “The family submitting the application have lived in Barrowford for a significant number of years and are active contributors to the local community - supporting local schools and sports groups with their time and resources.

“The garden (upon which the proposed dwelling would be built) is very significant in size and I believe that using a small section of it to construct a new dwelling would be a sensible use of land.

“I also think it's great that the family wishes to construct an 'eco-home' - playing a small part in leading the way on sustainability in Barrowford and the wider Pendle area.”

The Nelson’s plans were approved, with conditions, on December 7.