A TAXI operator has defeated objections to win approval for a booking office in a terraced house.

Councillors overturned advice from planning officers to give permission for the business at Westbourne Road, Marsh.

Shahid Parvez will be allowed to operate the booking office for a temporary period of 12 months to see if there are any problems.

He originally got the go-ahead a year ago to operate one private car only.

But the Examiner revealed his Marsh Cars premises was being used as a booking office for at least 12 taxis.

Yesterday councillors heard there had been no complaints about noise or parking.

Mr Parvez said: "The next-door neighbours have been very supportive.

"There are no customers calling and no taxis outside."

He will now be allowed to operate his office 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Mr Parvez said he had parking spaces for taxis at nearby Marsh Mills.

Kirklees Council's planning sub-committee had been recommended by officers to reject the application for a taxi booking office.

But councillors agreed to give him a year-long trial.

Tory councillor Tony Brice said: "I have never seen a car outside there yet."

Two people had objected to the booking office by letter and another seven by email, the committee heard.

But there were 13 letters and a 119-name petition in support.

Tory councillor Christine Smith said: "What annoys me is the way he has abused the permission he has had.

"He got permission for one car - and then has been having 12.

"That's what really annoys me."