MOTORBIKE ace Carl Fogarty has hit out at parish council "fuddy duddies" following a planning row over his home.

And the former world champion, who wants to build a gym above a garage at his Tockholes farm, criticised opponents of his development, pledging that he will not be "doing anything else" for the village.

Tockholes Parish Council is against the plan and is urging Blackburn with Darwen Council to refuse the application.

The garage is covered in metal sheeting and is described as unsightly by officials, but Mr Fogarty has promised to change the appearance of the building with stone cladding.

He said: "When we first moved to Tockholes they were pleased to have a World Superbike champion here and we have done a lot for them.

"I have opened the village gala in the past but it seems everything we do now is blocked by these old fuddy duddies who have nothing better to do with their time." Mr Fogarty added: "All we want to do is restore the house to what it was in the past and they have blocked us every step of the way.

"One thing is for sure, I won't be doing anything else for Tockholes in the future."

Parish councillors object to the plan because it goes against development policies for the village. The council also claims the extension would stand out against the skyline and is not in keeping with the rest of the property.

But planning chiefs at the town hall are recommending the plan is approved. Officials believe the plans would improve the look of the building.

They are also urging councillors to grant permission on condition that is not used as a home.

The row follows the news that Mr Fogarty built a tennis court, stables and the garage without planning permission.

The sports star was forced to put in a retrospective application after the building alterations were spotted by council inspectors.

The Fogarty farm is on green belt land and the area is governed by strict planning controls.

The application will be decided tonight at a planning sub-committee meeting.

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