A Horwich homeowner is allowed a dormer extension although it looks into a least one of the bungalows behind his home.

Danny Dare applied for a development on Ainscow Avenue when the work was already underway for more than a month.

On September 12, at a meeting of the planning committee, Mr Dare was allowed the dormer extension to turn a two-storey, three-bedroom house into a three-storey, five-bedroom house.

This is although it looks into at least one of the bungalows behind his home according to Ryan Bamforth, a councillor for the area, as well as one of the other homeowners on Ainscow Avenue.

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Cllr Bamforth said: "I ask you to look up to the gallery and as you look up to the gallery this is what 4 Ainscow Avenue see when they are in their bedroom. 

"When they are in their bedroom there are windows looking down directly into their bed, not through their windows, but looking down directly into their bed."

(Image: Bolton Council)

The homeowner said: "For 60 years we have had the right to privacy.

"Why should someone be allowed to take the right to privacy away?"

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A report said the dormer extension is acceptable because the distance to the other houses is in line with planning policy.

The report said the dormer extension is not out of place as there are others at houses on Bleasdale Close and Crompton Road.

The planning committee approved the application but the applicant came in for criticism for applying for planning permission retrospectively with one of the councillors saying to do so was "abhorrent".

Charlotte Moncado-Sears, a councillor for Horwich North Ward, said: "It is in line with planning standards and if the application went to appeal it would be approved so I would recommend approval."

David Grant, a councillor for Horwich South and Blackrod Ward, said: "As per my colleague if the application went to appeal it would be approved so I would second approval.

"The council would be at risk of costs if the application went to appeal."

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