I RECENTLY wrote to the Planning Department of Blackburn with Darwen Council to request permission to replace my existing pre-cast concrete garage with a brick-built one of exactly the same size and in exactly same position.

I received a reply that I needed planning permission - at a cost of £90-plus.

I have to submit architect's drawings costing £150-£200.

All of this from the same council that can, without any consultation or planning permission, erect the abomination at Guide which is a metal 'hive' with metal 'bees' buzzing around it, describing this as public art. It has also refused planning consent for a site in Preston New Road being turned into a service station.

They say that it is not conducive to the area, even though it was a service station for more years than I care to remember.

It is the ruling Labour group behind these decisions and, in view of their bad showing in the local elections, their popularity is not increasing.

The prediction of Conservative group leader Councillor Jim Hurst of Tory control by 2001 is now a very strong possibility.

Roll on 2001.

IAN FORREST, Royshaw Avenue, Blackburn.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.