A DEVELOPER has been thwarted from building a wall and fence measuring almost three metres after it was accused of making "cheap" choices to the detriment of residents.

Oaktree Developments has been refused planning permission to erect the retaining wall to the north of the nine luxury homes it is building in Crown Lane.

Properties on this side of the site have been subject to flooding since work at the site began according to Cllr Peter Wright

He said: "Oaktree's raising of the ground level on the North side has already resulted in flooding onto the existing properties from water run-off – something that did not happen before when the North side was level with the properties' gardens."

The Horwich councillor also told the planning committee that the proposed 2.8 metre structure would restrict natural daylight with the closest property on St Brides Close only a metre and a half away from fence.

Speaking on behalf of Oaktree, James Hunter said that drainage and levelling issues had been "carefully considered" and now had the approval of council planners.

But Cllr Marie Brady was not satisfied, saying current residents are at the "butt-end" of the plan described as a "cost exercise".