AN impassioned plea from the carer of a disabled woman with liver cancer failed to secure permission to extend a mobile home in the countryside.

Catherine McManus, the full-time carer for the owner of the mobile home at Spa Wood Farm, Billington Road, Hapton, accused neighbours of being 'bully boys' when the plan was discussed at Burnley development control sub-committee.

The application was for a ramp to improve access and an extension to the home to improve the facilities for the disabled occupier.

Neighbours objecting to the plan, Shaun Richards and John Nottingham, queried whether the applicant was indeed disabled, saying they had not seen her in a wheelchair.

Mr Richards said because the access to her site was through his farm yard, he was concerned about the safety of his children with gates being left open and noise nuisance. Mr Nottingham told councillors that to approve the application would be a 'travesty of justice.'

But Ms McManus said the applicant had found out she had liver cancer just before Christmas, which had been a shock to them both.

"There is inadequate space in her mobile chalet," she said. "All she is asking for is a quiet, peaceful life.

"That lady does use a wheelchair, I push it for her. She is registered disabled. She has been absolutely set upon by these bully boys since she moved on to the land and bought the property.

"Look at it from a human point of view, a health point of view, from your own hearts point of view."

But Coun Carole Galbraith said: "I feel sorry for the applicant's health but, unfortunately, we cannot make decisions on those sort of grounds."

She moved that the councillors agree with the officer's recommendations and the application was refused.