A PLANNING inspector is expected to rule on the future of a house that is still being built 22 years after it was given planning go-ahead, by the end of October.

Fed up neighbours are still waiting to see 'the house that Graham built' completed, a public inquiry was told.

Developer Graham Bennett, was granted approval for his plans to build a large detached family house in Castle View, Barnoldswick, in 1977.

But 22 years later, the building still needs to be connected to the water and sewerage systems, and needs work on its wiring, staircase and floorboarding. It has no front door, no glass in the windows and no guttering.

Pendle Council planning officer Alison French, told the planning inquiry at Barnoldswick Town Hall that she estimated it would take a contract builder 12 months to complete the list of work required. The inquiry was called after Mr Bennett appealed against the council's decision to serve him with a legal notice giving him a 12-month deadline to finish the house, which is in a conservation area. Mrs French told the inquiry inspector Robert Sexton, that work on a garage adjoining the house began in 1979. Following alterations in building regulations and various changes to the scheme, work finally began on the house itself in June 1988, she said.

Two years ago frustrated neighbours called on the council to push Mr Bennett to complete the house or order it to be pulled down.

The inquiry was told that further work had been carried out since the completion notice was served.

Mr Bennett, who lives near the house, presented letters from a double glazing firm and a kitchen fitter which, he said, proved work was progressing, although it had yet to be carried out.

He said the site was no more unsightly than other sites in the town and that there were personal reasons for the delay.

The inspector is expected to announce his decision by the end of October.

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