COUNCILLORS have told a Preston man to rip down parts of his new house on 'a matter of principle'.

The man, who built a house on land in Regent Park, Fulwood, last year, may have to remove dormer windows in his sloping roof and patio doors at the back of the building after failing to receive permission to build them.

When he presented his amended plans to the council's planning committee last year, they were turned down. Last week he presented a full application to Preston Borough Council, including his application.

But councillors rejected his latest application, against the advice of planning officers, saying a matter of principle was at stake.

Coun Ken Hudson said: "We have a planning committee which makes resolutions within the guidelines laid down.

"If we allow this man to build a house which breaks from the plans shown to us then, in one sense, it defeats the object of this committee and would make us a laughing stock."

Coun Joe Hood said: "These amendments were refused, so nothing should change just because this gentleman has re-submitted all of his plans, including the amendments, after he has built the house."

Coun Alan Hackett, who represents the Cadley area, had received several letters from residents living nearby who said the extra roof windows meant they had no privacy in their back gardens.

He said: "This started as a small house on a small plot and has manifested itself into a large house on the same small plot.

"It is blatant over-development on a small site which infringes on people's privacy and I think we have no choice but to refuse it."

The council also voted for enforcement action, which means he will have to remove his roof windows and patio on the grounds that it is an over-intensive development for the site and that it infringes on other people's privacy.

The applicant said he would appeal.

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