However, it has now been referred to a full meeting of the authority for final determination.
Burney Council’s development control committee turned down the plans for 36 new homes on the site of a former reservoir when it met last month.
It had been recommended to approve the scheme west of Heckenhurst Avenue in Brownside, proposed by developer Applethwaite Ltd.
The decision to refuse planning permission for the housing estate by 10 votes to four with one abstention was taken despite officers warning against it.
Minutes of the meeting said: “Prior to the vote on the resolution to refuse the planning application, the committee was advised by the head of housing and development control that the committee would not have delegated authority to pass such a resolution, as this would be a decision that, in his professional opinion, was substantially contrary to the local plan and local plan policies.
“The committee was advised by the legal advisor that any decision taken in this matter must be based on, and only on, proper planning grounds reflecting their planning judgment of the case.
“The resolution to refuse planning permission was carried and the reasons provided were: the application did not meet the requirements of Burnley’s Local Plan 2018 policies IC1 Sustainable travel and IC2 Managing transport and travel impacts and IC5 Protection and Provision of Social and Community Infrastructure.”
But because of the officers’ concerns, Catherine Waudby, the authority’s head of legal and democratic services, has referred the application to its Full Council meeting for a final decision.
A report by planning officer Janet Filbin recommended approval with 34 conditions and the negotiation of a contribution running into thousands of pounds from the firm towards affordable housing, public open space improvements, greenway creation, new reservoir walls and drainage before building work starts.
This is despite objections from Worsthorne Parish Council and 16 nearby residents.
The proposal is for 36 houses (10 three-bedroom and 26 four-bedroom) on the site at the west end of Heckenhurst Avenue.
The 3.8 acre site is currently open grazing fields.
Ms Filbin’s report said: “The proposed development would provide an appropriate development on a site allocated for this purpose and has been sensitively designed to reflect the character of the local area.
“It provides a suitable level of public open space and planting and connectivity with its surroundings.
“The relatively small proportional increase in traffic using Brownside Road can be accommodated.
“The proposed scheme is a high-quality development, includes benefits from the provision of four affordable homes.”