A WHITEFIELD business has had an application to extend their office approved.

Despite objections from neighbours over privacy concerns, councillors at a meeting of Bury Council's planning committee voted to approve the first floor office extension for UAP Tradelocks.

The application related to an established office unit located in Albert Close trading estate.

The company, which provides locksmith tools and security, applied to the council to put another floor on to a pre-existing office.

However, neighbour Mr Bowden had concerns over the privacy of his home if the plans were approved.

Speaking at the meeting at Bury Town Hall on Tuesday, he said: "This is making myself and my wife very ill, this will be facing straight in to our house and it will be invading our privacy."

He also had concerns that the company may break any planning conditions imposed as he claimed that this had happened with previous planning which was granted to the company.

Norman Gill representing UAP said the extension of the office was all part of an expansion plan and the company hoped to hire another 10 people in the future.

He said: "In this tough climate that is quite an achievement. The door which would be installed would not have any glass in it as it would be a fire door."

Cllr Mary Whitby added: "I have spoken to a number of residents and they are concerned about privacy. This company has already been served with a breach of planning application because they didn't stick to a previous application that they originally made.

"We have no problem with a fire door but the concern is that they keep to the conditions in the application not just straight away but over the next few years so that these residents can continue to enjoy their outdoor space."

Cllr Eamonn O'Brien said that he was satisfied with the application if the conditions ensured that the privacy of the nearby residents was protected.

The application was voted for approval with conditions.