A COUNCIL boss could face legal action after he installed an unauthorised first floor window in a newly-built extension without planning permission.

Mr Martin Hall, who is the authority's head of architectural services, must now return the extension to its original design voluntarily or face enforcement action.

"Either way, it will cost me a fortune to take the window out and take off the rendering," said Mr Hall, of Walmersley Road. "I will be appealing against this."

It comes at a time when members of Bury's planning committtee are calling for a crackdown on home-owners who build without permission.

The committee rejected Mr Hall's retrospective application for approval of alterations already carried out to his home.

Councillor Wilf Davison told Tuesday's meeting: "We seem to have a serious problem in Bury where people do what they want with planning conditions. People ignore the rules and regulations.

"We must have a better system in place to inspect building work and ensure that conditions and designs contained in planning applications are adhered to. We need more enforcement action now!"

However Mr Hall stressed he had followed guidelines issued by the planning department to deal with unauthorised alterations to permitted developments. He told the Bury Times: "Problems can arise during any development and some changes in design are therefore needed to solve them.

"I discussed the need for the installation of another window with neighbours and they were in agreement. The rendering, rather than just open brickwork, was also in keeping with other houses in the area. Even before any of the re-design was carried out I applied for retrospective planning approval. I cannot believe this has been turned down. I followed the rules of planning."

Principal planning officer John Hodkinson recommended the revised application be approved.