A HOUSEHOLDER at the centre of controversy when a planning meeting had to be halted has had a formal complaint against council chiefs rejected.

But Asaf Niaz has vowed to fight on in his wrangle with Ribble Valley Council.

Police were called to the council chamber in June when a planning committee erupted into chaos over proposals by Mr Niaz to extend his home in Whalley Road, Wilpshire, to include a swimming pool and rear lounge.

After the proposal was unanimously turned down on grounds of over-development, supporters of Mr Niaz hurled abuse at committee chairman Chris Holtom.

Mr Niaz formally complained to council chief executive David Morris, claiming his plan had not been given a fair hearing and that Coun Holtom had unduly influenced the committee's decision.

But Mr Morris has written to Mr Niaz saying he is satisfied the case was "properly considered on planning merits."

Mr Niaz intends to have his complaint reviewed by a complaints appeal panel, comprising Ribble Valley council officers and councillors.

He is also appealing to the Planning Inspectorate.

He said: "I am appalled at the way my application was considered and I am not happy with this response from the chief executive"

Mr Morris's letter said: "I refute absolutely your allegation that planning officers were unduly influenced by Coun Holtom prior to the meeting.

"The planning officers concerned are members of my department and I know them well enough to be entirely confident that they do not allow their recommendations to committee to be influenced by any councillor.

"The recommendation in your case was in my view based on good planning grounds."

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