A TOUCH of Premiership football glamour was added to a council planning meeting when a Rovers player turned up to find out whether extension plans, left in the hands of councillors, were granted.

Blackburn Rovers player Lucas Neill successfully defended his plans for a luxury entertainment complex at his Turton home and was granted planning permission.

An indoor swimming pool, gym and cinema room are just a few of luxury facilities that will soon appear at the Australian defender's rural home.

He will also squeeze in a steam room, bar, lounge, spa and bathroom in a detached two-storey building with a single-storey extension approximately 24 metres by 18 metres at the back of the building.

Unlike his football matches, he left the task of defending his planning application to his agent Nick Sutton.

After a short speech which detailed the finer points of the football star's plans, they took a back seat while a councillors had a short discussion.

Mr Neill and Mr Sutton listened intently as councillors on the planning committee made a decision earlier this month into his visions for his countryside manor.

Lucas followed in the footsteps of another Premiership football star Phil Neville. He had a similar battle on his hands when he wanted to build a swimming pool at his 17th century manor house in Crawshawbooth, along with a first-floor flat for security staff and a triple garage last year.

Once permission was granted, the star slipped off quietly after signing his autograph for council employees.