CONTROVERSIAL plans to extend a converted chapel were narrowly approved last night.

One vote separated councillors who approved plans to add three, two-bedroom apartments to a converted chapel in Harwood.

The plans, submitted by ex-Premier League footballer Garry Flitcroft, mean part of the carpark would be taken up by the extension, leaving one space per apartment in the building.

Two ward councillors and a neighbour spoke against the development saying privacy was being infringed upon and the busy road would be used for parking.

Resident Susan Bain of Southgate spoke at the planning meeting to object against the plans, she was supported by other residents in the public gallery.

She said: "I think the turn out shows the depth of our concern and fear over the effects of this development...The proposal is showing an imposing three storey building, it is our fear the windows of this development will greatly compromise our right to privacy."

She added that bordering Longsight Road was an 'accident waiting to happen'.

Cllrs Jacqueline Radcliffe and Stuart Haslam, both of Bradshaw ward also spoke against the application and said parking provisions would not be suitable.

Mr Flitcroft applied to build the extension on the current building's carpark, increasing the number of apartments from seven to 10 and reducing the number of parking spaces from 16 to 10.

Tony Lang of RT Design spoke in support of the application, he noted a number of similar applications had come before the council in previous years and reminded them that council policy suggests a maximum of two parking spaces per dwelling.

Cllr Mudasir Dean, who sits on the planning committee backed his fellow Bradshaw ward councillors and called the application 'totally inappropriate'.

He added: "We have already had many accidents on that road. Road safety is the main issue."

Cllr Norman Critchley, who also sits on the committee said: "I think it's wrong to build this when there's a deficit in existing carparking spaces in the area."

The application was passed by 10 votes to nine.