COUNCILLORS told a caravan site owner that they were to defer a decision to grant permission for the static homes to stay until they carry-out a site visit.

The site, at Oakfield Lodge, Birchenlee Lane, Colne, has been at the centre of numerous complaints from nearby residents.

Councillors decided they wanted to see the site before granting the owner, Ray Miller, a Certificate of Lawfulness for the siting of six static caravans.

Mr Miller submitted the application following investigations by the council about a suspected unauthorised development.

But he said the land included the caravans when he purchased the property in 1987 and the council has always been aware of this.

He said: "The planning officer is satisfied with all the evidence, but one councillor in particular cannot get their head round it, so it keeps being deferred, at a cost to the tax payer.

"The officer told me he has known cases last up to two years, but I won't be here for much longer because my doctor has already put me on tablets for all the stress that I am going through.

"I can't sleep at night with all the worry, but I know the councillors won't think twice about it. All my hard work could be undone by one decision and that is very frightening."

But Mr Miller has provided the council with witness statements from residents who have proved they have been in the caravans since 1987.

Letters of objections have been received outlining the poor state of the access road, the additional traffic impact and insufficient water supply.

Dean Clapworthy, the case officer, said: "None of the objections make reference to evidence that may support such claims or are able to offer anything that could undermine the application.

"In light of the information provided and lack of contradictory evidence available or counter statements, it is considered that the council has no good reason to refuse this application."

It will be considered at the next planning meeting in March.