PERMISSION for two private hire bases in Nelson look likely to be refused by councillors.

The first application is for the use of 169 Leeds Road, currently a vacant double unit, as a base for three vehicles.

Planners recommended that the Nelson Committee should refuse the proposal next week on the grounds it does not provide off-street parking and drivers might use the public car park, reducing spaces for residents.

The second application is for the continued use of 6 Hibson Road for six vehicles. Permission was originally granted in May 1998 on a one-year temporary basis and renewal permission for three years was granted in February 1999.

A condition of the permission was that the use of two parking spaces in the Rigby Street public car park would only be allowed while a lease or licence for the spaces was in force, which it is not.

Council officers believe the permission should be refused as the proposal fails to meet parking requirements and would cause parking congestion in Hibson Road.

They recommended that enforcement action be taken over unauthorised use of the spaces.

The owner believed he had an informal agreement with the council to use the spaces but also said his business did not need off-street parking.