DUE to the number of responses I have had following the refusal of planning permission for Puccino's Deli-bar in King William Street, Blackburn, I must respond.

I fully understand what many are saying about this decision. It makes a change for the public to be concerned about something we have not allowed, as opposed to them being against applications we have allowed.

Mr Ian Finch, the applicant, showed blatant disregard to the planning department. They wrote to him in June and July, warning of the consequences if he went ahead with his deli without applying for permission and explaining that if he did apply, it would probably be refused because it was clearly against policy.

He was also advised to come and talk to the planning department. Mr Finch completely ignored this advice.

The council cannot and will not allow anyone to completely flout its planning policies.

People sometimes try and build without having planning permission. I have never, however, dealt with anyone who has done it as blatantly as Mr Finch. He not only failed to apply for planning permission, but also failed to discuss his business with the Environmental Health and Building Control.

Mr Finch now has two options. He can either resubmit his application and hope for the best, or he can appeal to a government inspector who will look at the application afresh.

I appreciate those who have vented their feelings about what is going on in the town centre. It is nice to know that the public do care about what is happening in their town.

COUN FRANK CONNOR, (chairman, planning and highways committee, Blackburn with Darwen Council), Duxbury Street, Darwen.