A bid to build an extension was blocked by councillors because of its impact on an estate in Farnworth.

Applicant Gulzar Ahmed applied for planning permission for a property on Ashby Close on January 30.

Mr Ahmed applied for a two-storey rear extension and a two-storey side extension to take a two-up two-down and turn it into a four-bed with multiple reception rooms.

The bid to build an extension was blocked by councillors in spite of an appeal by Nadeem Ayub, a councillor for Farnworth North, to the Planning Committee on July 18.

ALSO READ: Aldi: Delay on supermarket due to opposition of Lidl and Tesco.

Cllr Ayub said: "While I appreciate applications are on their own merits, a few doors down, there are examples of similar extensions. 

"The report says there are examples of similar extensions in the area so there is precedent on Ashby Close and on Brentwood Drive."

A report for consideration by the Planning Committee recommended refusal of the application on the basis of the impact on the appearance and the character of the estate.

Not all of the councillors were in agreement on the issue of the impact on the appearance and the character of the estate but the refusal of the application won by four votes.

ALSO READ: Farnworth: Approval for affordable homes on St Germain Street.

David Grant, a councillor for Horwich South and Blackrod, said: "Maybe it is me but when I think of character I think of a thatched roof not some 1990s, mass-produced, plasterboard property.

"It does not take away from the character of the estate because the estate does not have any character."

John Walsh, a councillor for Astley Bridge, said: "This is a big extension in anyone's eyes and, we do not deal with precedent, we deal with the applications on their own merits. 

"There is a policy on an extension being subordinate to the existing dwelling, there was a debate on it not long ago, and this extension is not subordinate to the existing dwelling."

Mr Ahmed is able to appeal against the decision of the Planning Committee to the Planning Inspectorate.

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