COUNCILLORS are to decide the fate of a farm building erected without planning permission.

Brothers Andrew and Brian Lyth carried out extensive improvements on the derelict Sheephouses Farm, Stacksteads, more than two years ago.

But council planning officers classed it as a rebuild because of the scale of refurbishment carried outby the brothers.

They were forced to apply for retrospective planning permission and members of Rossendale Council's development control committee have already indicated they would be minded to grant planning permission.

They said not granting planning permission would be seen as advocating derelict buildings in the countryside.

The brothers are now seeking retrospective permission to build a new farmhouse, convert the brick barn with single-storey and porch extensions to form a second dwelling and create a linking garage facility.

The decision will be discussed at a meeting of the development control committee on Wednesday.

Local ward councillor Michael McShea, said: "The application looks very promising. The two brothers have spent a lot of time and money on this development, which has gone towards improving the landscape of the whole area.

"They would be over the moon if they were to get planning permission so we will keep our fingers crossed."