A CONTROVERSIAL planning application that will see major changes to one of the Tyne Valley's most popular pubs has been approved by councillors.

The application will see alterations and an extension to the Rat Inn at Anick, as well as the replacement of the adjacent WI Hall with a new building comprising o f10 guest rooms and a self-catering holiday cottage with associated parking.

A total of 30 objections from local residents were received, mostly centring around concerns over a lack of parking at the pub and the impact on the green belt.

Councillors debated the proposals at Tynedale Local Area Council's meeting on Tuesday for some time, prompting Coun. Derek Kennedy, seconding approval, to comment: "It's been a long debate on this. It's hardly runway three at Heathrow!"

But Coun. Nick Oliver, who represents Anick and sits on the local parish council, which also raised objections, said he could not support the application.

He said: "I'm afraid I can't support this proposal. We have a situation where it's been quite clearly demonstrated that the car parking provision provided by this application will not be enough to keep up with demand. I think this application will make the situation worse."

But Coun. Colin Horncastle claimed Coun. Oliver shouldn't have been part of the meeting due to his membership of Sandhoe Parish Council.

Coun. Horncastle said: "If I was chairing this meeting, I wouldn't be allowing you to take part. It's quite obvious to me that you have not been speaking with an open mind.

"You've done nothing but argue with officers. I don't beleive for one moment you're speaking with an open mind.

The application was approved by 10 votes to two.