A HOME for the treatment of women with Princess Diana-type eating disorders has been given the go-ahead in Reedley - and councillors who twice blocked the move will have to cough up costs.

A Government inquiry has ruled Pendle planning chiefs acted unreasonably when they threw out Burnley Health Trust's scheme to set up a six place live-in clinic for sufferers of anorexia and bulimia.

Councillors backed residents' opposition to the plan to convert a semi-detached house in Colne Road, despite being told by their professional officers that the scheme should get the go ahead.

Now a Department of the Environment inspector has decided that they got it wrong and local council taxpayers will have to meet part of the Trust's costs - which could run into several thousand pounds.

In his public inquiry report, inspector Peter Jameson, concluded that the comings and goings from the home would have no significant impact on neighbours and there would be no noise detriment or loss of privacy. The result was welcomed today by Community Health Council chairman, Coun Frank Clifford, the only Pendle councillor who opposed the council's stand throughout the row.

"I just feel it is a pity this much-needed service has been held up for 18 months because of what has been clearly shown to be an unreasonable attitude by councillors who pandered to the wishes of local residents without giving proper consideration to the vital planning issues.

"As a result the council taxpayers of Pendle will have to pay the price for what was always a flawed decision."

But local councillor, Pauline McCormick was unrepentant.

"I still don't think it is the right place for a home of this kind and as an elected member I have to represent the views of local people.

"Unfortunately we have to pay some costs, which I feel sorry about," she added.

No-one at Burnley Health Trust was available to comment.

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