A villager is not allowed a driveway next to his home after a decision by the Planning Inspectorate.

The retired resident, who lives in Egerton, applied for a driveway next to his home on Blackburn Road towards the end of last year.

He wanted to be able to charge their car outside his home, something which is not always a possibility due to the use of on-road parking by customers at Cibo Restaurant.

He said he has had damage done to his car on three occasions by customers coming and going.

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The application said: "I am retired and I want to charge my car at home, off the road, but I cannot get near to charge my car with customers from 10am until late evening. 

"Also I have had damage done to my car on three occasions by customers coming and going."

Bolton Council refused the application on the basis of its impact on the appearance and character of the Egerton Conservation Area and on the basis of its impact on highway safety.

The retired resident appealed to the Planning Inspectorate but, although Planning Inspector John Whalley disagreed with the council about the impact on the appearance and character of the Egerton Conservation Area, Mr Whalley agreed with the council about the impact on highway safety. The appeal was dismissed and he is not allowed a driveway.

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Mr Whalley said: "A reverse manoeuvre either in or out of the proposed parking area could be not only awkward and difficult but could be hazardous to the user and to traffic on the A666.

He added: "The proposed parking area would be an asset to the occupants providing additional convenience and additional security. It would facilitate the charging for an electric vehicle. But the benefits do not override the concerns of a reduction in highway safety."

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.