A 10-YEAR battle to put the blocks on a controversial monumental mason was set to be stepped up this week.

Council planners are to try again to stop Raphael Faith Monumental Masons operating out of Hamilton Road, Chorley.

Residents have been complaining since 1986 of dust and noise from the business, which is currently operating without planning permission.

The company was given temporary planning permission which ran out in Autumn 1988.

But the council has been unable to issue an injunction because neighbours have been unwilling to give evidence.

Now the local authority is in the position of having to take new action against Mr Faith.

As well as the long-running dispute with Chorley Borough Council, the Raphael Faith company has also been in trouble with other councils across Lancashire and has previously been banned from several graveyards.

In a report to be discussed by Chorley Council's planning committee on Tuesday night, director of technical services, John Taylor, says the council has a duty to take action whether or not residents are willing to give evidence.

He says officers recently visited the premises and found stones stored in the rear yard and a small workshop on the premises containing tools and materials for engraving and cutting, as well as a headstone currently being worked on.

Mr Taylor says: "The cutting of materials at the site appears to occur only occasionally and for short durations.

"However, when it does much noise and dust is created next to other housing. The other activities, such as engraving, polishing and finishing of headstones ... are carried out more continuously and would be disturbing to local residents.

"I believe that the overall effect of the use is harmful to the residential character and appearance of the area."

The report recommends the council seeks an enforcement notice requiring all work at the site to cease.

Raphael Faith was unavailable for comment at the time of going to press.

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