A VILLAGE resident will learn this week whether or not be will be allowed to keep his controversial balustrade.

Christopher Muir, of Bowfell Cottage, Sandy Lane, Brindle, said he built railings around the top of his roof garden for safety.

But locals argue the feature is not in keeping with the village's character.

Mr Muir said: "We have always had the roof there but as it has not been safe we have not been able to use it very much.

"So we have got decking and put railings round and decorated it all with flowers.

"My next door neighbour -- who is adjacent to me -- thinks it has improved the look of the cottage. It's a very attractive wrought iron balustrade."

Mr Muir said the cottage had featured in a Lancashire magazine as a good example of a rural dwelling.

"This is a really decorative cottage that has been admired. Many people come to take photos of it."

And he added that the decoration of the roof garden was now complete.

But the borough council have received objections, including concerns from Brindle Parish Council, who say it is an inappropriate development within a conservation area, and a petition from locals containing 47 signatures.

Neighbour Andy Sumner, of Smithy Close, Brindle, told the Chorley Citizen: "There is a lot of strong feeling against this development as demonstrated by the number of signatures on the petition I have orchestrated and the number of objection letters submitted to the planning authority.

"I am concerned that the planning committee, when considering this retrospective application, take account of all the salient facts and strength of local feeling against the granting of this application.

"I feel it is extremely important that the historical village setting of Brindle is preserved for future generations and this sort of development is not in keeping with the character of the village and its immediate surroundings."

The application -- which planning chiefs have recommended be passed -- was due to go before councillors on Tuesday evening (August 29).