PLANNING chiefs have come under fire for not doing enough to sort out bitter neighbourly disputes over proposed developments.

The comments were made by Westhoughton town councillor Lynda Winrow-Baker, who feels more should be done to bring rowing neighbours together to reach a compromise over contentious applications.

The council said it has a “limited” mediation service, but said it must eventually reach a decision based on the facts and planning law.

Cllr Nick Peel, Bolton Council executive member, urged people to consult with their neighbours before submitting applications so compromises can be reached early.

Cllr Winrow-Baker said: “I just think planners are getting away with far too much.

“The council seems to forget that people have feelings and we have come across a lot recently where this has been the case.”

Cllr Winrow-Baker cited a recent application in Rayden Crescent, Westhoughton, which was approved despite opposition from neighbours, who were concerned a rear extension would lead to their properties being overlooked.

She added: “People should think about how their plans will affect next door.

“If the council was able to step in and sit down and negotiate with both parties, these things could be sorted out amicably. It would be so much simpler.”

Cllr Peel, a member of the planning committee, said: “We are not there to referee in neighbour disputes about planning.

“But it is always good practice to discuss applications with neighbours before they are even put in.

“Unfortunately, sometimes if there are no planning grounds to refuse an application, you will always get one side that is unhappy. Having said that there will always be situations where someone has every right to build an extension, but neighbours are opposing it unreasonably so it can work both ways.”

A council spokesman: “We understand that inevitably planning applications can cause friction between neighbours.

“With the limited resources that we have, we are unable to offer a mediation service for neighbours, but quite often we do work with the applicants and their architects to get plans changed to resolve problems.

“Of course, that isn’t always possible and then the council, as the local planning authority, has to make a decision based on the facts available within the legal framework.”