A RETIREE has been refused permission to demolish three garages on his land to make way for one larger replacement building.

Robert Foster wanted to put up the new garage at the back of his home in Rainshaw Street, in Astley Bridge, in order to store a horsebox and trailers.

Mr Foster told members he also needed extra space to store classic motorcycles. He added: “ I have been as accommodating as possible and amended the original plan to alleviate the impact on Holly Mill Crescent.”

But the panel refused the application in line with officers’ recommendation that it would be “detrimental to the character and appearance” of the immediate area.