DECISIONS on three controversial building plans were put on hold yesterday.

Councillors voted to delay their judgement on whether the owners of a travelling showmen’s site can be given retrospective permission to stay on land off Slack Lane, Westhoughton.

The applicant, Jane Harrison, told a town hall meeting that the site had expanded onto land it did not have permission to use because the business had grown.

She added that some of the objections to her plans, which also include the building of a new barn, can be put down to ‘racial hatred’.

Planning officers said that insufficient justification has been provided for the expansion of the site and the proposed barn within open protected land.

Cllr Andy Morgan suggested that the applicant come back to the next committee with more detailed plans.

Plans to demolish a boarding kennels and disused agricultural buildings in Egerton were also deferred so that councillors carry out a site visit.

Two new four-bedroom homes could be built in place of the demolished buildings at Little Stanrose Farm, in Cox Green Road.

Proposals for a new home in Osmund Avenue, Breightmet, have also been delayed. Councillors said that the applicant should amend the plans to provide a different access route.