A LONG-RUNNING dispute over plans to extend a semi-detached house in a quiet street has taken a new twist.

Councillors decided that changes to the already controversial scheme in Lancaster Gate, Nelson, were too important to allow through "on the nod". Instead, the householder must submit a new full planning application if he wants them to go ahead.

Councillors were backed by more than a dozen neighbours who have fought the scheme to build a two-storey side extension at number 78.

The owner said he needed the extra room to house his large family. Plans have changed several times during the dispute.

A previous scheme was rejected by Nelson councillors but passed on appeal to a planning inspector. The latest amended plan showing alterations to the roof was rejected by councillors who went against the advice of planning officers who said the amendments were minor enough to allow through.

"What we have here is not by any stretch of the imagination a minor amendment," Coun Roger Abbiss told colleagues on Pendle Council's Nelson area committee.

"It goes to the very heart of the planning inspector's decision.

"It is a fundamental change to the design of the extension and there's a procedure for dealing with it.

"The owner can submit a planning application and that would be looked at on its merits."

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