A Bolton resident appealed for the approval of an extension to his house due to a deterioration in the health of his father.

Yacoob Ghanchi applied for planning permission for the site on Randal Street on two occasions since June 5 of last year.

On the first attempt the application was refused by the council but on the second attempt the application was called in for consideration by the planning committee by Sajid Ali, a councillor for the ward, who said the number of other extensions on the street and the medical needs of the applicant's family were extenuating circumstances.

At a meeting last week, Mr Ghanchi appealed for the approval of the extension to his house due to a deterioration in the health of his father who is in his 70s.

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He said: "We would like to draw attention to the duration since the application on June 5. The prolonged period has added to the uncertainty for our family and has taken a toll on my father's health, exacerbating his health challenges and contributing to a sense of anxiety and depression. 

"The extension which will serve as his bedroom with an ensuite is crucial. This space will solely be for his use and will significantly enhance his day-to-day life."

A report for consideration by the planning committee recommended the refusal of the application due to its impact on the amenity to neighbours.

The councillors were split but the planning committee supported the approval of the application against the recommendation within the report.

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Anne Galloway, a councillor for Heaton, Lostock and Chew Moor, said: "It is contrary to policy and to the amenity to neighbours and I do not think the medical reasons are sufficient to outweigh the lack of amenity to neighbours. 

"It is an issue which comes up time and time again and usually we are very, very liberal."

Nick Peel, a councillor for Tonge with the Haulgh, said: "I think we are in danger of sending out a mixed message to have a range of extensions on the street and then there is a line in the sand. 

"It would confuse me and it would confuse the public in terms of the response they are going to get when they put an application in. I think the medical reasons are extenuating circumstances."

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