SHOULD Lady Penelope wish to cool off at the Thunderbird house in Poole, she will now have a swimming pool in which to plunge.

However, the outdoor pool, with changing room/pump house and wall (but without that sliding mechanism which enables Thunderbird launches!) was built without planning permission at the Tracy Island look-alike house in Western Avenue, Branksome Park.

But Jeff Tracy can call off International Rescue - Poole planners have rectified the situation by granting part-retrospective planning permission.

Planning consultant John Montgomery of Tanner and Tilley, represented Seven Developments, whose managing director Eddie Mitchell is a lifelong fan of the cult TV puppet programme.

He told the committee: "They didn't think a swimming pool constituted an extension to the building."

When planning permission was granted for the unusual house, permitted development rights were removed, meaning planning permission had to be sought for an extension or annexe.

Planning officer Doug Evans pointed out the development was three metres away from the house. "If it was two metres further away it would be permitted development," he said.

John Sprackling, chairman of Branksome Park Residents Association, opposed the application saying he believed if it had been submitted with the house application, it would have been refused.

"I believe that this case is a flagrant breach of planning law and to refuse the application would send a clear message to developers that they should not proceed with a planning application without permission," he said.

Ward councillor Neil Sorton urged the committee to turn down the application: "If only to send a message that the intention of this planning committee is not frustrated by people stealing a march."

Cllr Mrs Ann Stribley pointed out it was not a breach of planning law.

"If we are going to refuse this we have to have sound planning reasons," said Cllr Ron Parker. "Otherwise it will be granted on appeal. If we are sending a message it's going to be an empty gesture."

The application was approved.

The Borough of Poole has confirmed it will contest a writ, served on it by Branksome Park, Canford Cliffs and District Resident's Association, over the alleged unlawful felling of five trees on the site.