A SMALL shed required a late night debate by the town's top planning board before planning permission was granted.

To the bemusement of some members of the borough council's development control committee, they had to discuss and then vote on the erection of the gazebo in Thelwall.

The plan was worthy of special attention because it is in the village conservation area.

So, well past 9pm last Wednesday, at the end of a long evening of controversial plans, borough councillors heard reports and arguments about the shed - which is only 6ft across and 8ft high.

It was erected in the back of the Old Post Office, on Bell Lane, by husband and wife Linda and Ted Evison.

Linda Evison told the meeting the gazebo would be painted and plants would be grown on it so it would not stand out any more.

She said: "It was chosen with thought and care to complement the existing area."

But borough councillor Celia Jordan said: "I drove along that road and thought 'oh my God', what is that?

"So it is very noticeable. But it is new, and if they are growing foliage on it I think it will blend in over time."

Planning permission was unanimously granted.