POLICE were called to a council chamber when a meeting erupted into chaos over plans for a home extension.

And officers checked over the home of Ribble Valley planning committee chairman Chris Holtom to ensure he was not in any danger after he was subjected to abuse from the public gallery.

Last night's incident was the first time in the council's history that a meeting has had to be adjourned for order to be restored.

Applicant Asaf Niaz's plans to alter and extend his bungalow in Whalley Road, Wilpshire, to include a swimming pool and rear lounge, were turned down.

He has now vowed to serve a writ on Ribble Valley Council for racial discrimination.

After the meeting, Coun Holtom refuted claims that the controversial application had not been dealt with fairly.

Local residents claimed the extension would "dwarf" their properties and planning officers recommended refusal on the grounds of over-development.

Councillors sparked the trouble by refusing the plan after chairman Chris Holtom told the meeting: "I know this property quite well and have had extensive conversations with the applicant, who took a lot of advice, but not all of it. I propose refusal."

Supporters of Mr Niaz hurled abuse at Coun Holtom from the public gallery and criticised his handling of the matter. Police were called to restore order and Coun Holtom adjourned the meeting when the protesters refused to calm down. Afterwards Coun Holtom said: "I have had extensive phone conversations with the applicant, who has received as much help and advice as would normally have been given. Accusations regarding my handling of this matter are absolutely outrageous. I am very disturbed that supporters of the applicant sought to disrupt the meeting."

Mr Niaz said: "I have had nothing but trouble over this application. I reduced the size of the proposed extension and resubmitted the plan as advised by officers. From start to finish, the coucil has played a game with me.

"I have requested a personal meeting with Coun Holtom dozens of times, yet he has regularly visited objectors. I will be issuing a writ against the council for racial discrimination.

"Feeling was very high. We felt we didn't get a fair hearing and I stand by what these protestors did."

A spokesman for Clitheroe Police today said: "We were called to the meeting after reports of a disturbance in the public gallery and checked the home of one councillor as a precautionary measure, but no arrests were made and the matter isn't being taken any further."

Mr Niaz was represented at the meeting by Clitheroe solicitor Geoff Isherwood, who claimed there was no valid grounds for refusing the plan.

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