IT could be full steam ahead for a novel shed and play house in an Eccleston garden.

Bradley Lane resident Mr Chris Heaven wants to put an old-style railway brake van -- complete with its own section of track -- in his front garden!

The application was due to go before the Chorley Council's development control committee last night with planners recommending it for approval.

The brake van -- comprising a 2.4 metre high wooden cabin and eight metre long metal chassis -- is expected to go in a corner of his garden at least 20 metres away from neighbouring houses and behind hedging. It would be used as a garden shed and play house.

But weighing in at 20 tons, if approved, the van will have to be craned onto the premises, meaning a four metre long section of the conifer hedge will have to be removed.

In a report to the planners, Mr Heaven has said he will replace the entire hedge with new plants, including cherry laurel.

But not everyone is happy with the proposal for the rail van. Chorley Borough Council has received one letter objecting to the van on the grounds that the it will spoil the view from a conservatory and might put off prospective buyers to the house.

But a planning report said: "The break van will be situated more than 30 metres from the objector's house. This is a somewhat unusual proposal. That is not in itself reasons to refuse it.

"Subject to the proposed planting being undertaken, I am satisfied that the brake van will not be unduly prominent or detract unacceptably from the streetscape."

Mr Heaven said he did not wish to comment on his proposal until it had been considered by the committee.