A GROUP of Coppull residents are considering taking legal action against Chorley Borough Council's planning department, claiming it did not inform them of a 6.2 metre canopy being built next to their new homes.

The canopy is on premises belonging to Dave Barron Caravans, next to a new Rowland homes development.

Under planning laws, council officers must inform residents of any applications to build near their houses by placing notices on lampposts and by letter. But because residents had not yet moved into their half-built homes, the letters were returned by Royal Mail and residents had no chance to object.

The application for the canopy was only submitted after purchasers' solicitors had completed local searches.

Andy Stansfield, who recently bought one of the new houses, said: "We were staggered to learn of the plan as it will cut off a lot of light as well as affecting the value of our house."

No-one from Chorley Borough Council's planning department was available for commen. A Barron's spokesman said: "We went through the appropriate channels when we applied for planning permission."