THE owner of a building in Appleton has been given 12 months to demolish it in an ongoing legal battle that has left residents ‘lost for words’.

Since 2001 work has been carried out on Old Pewterspear Lane by former resident David Mantle, with more than 12 applications submitted to Warrington Borough Council.

More recently the builder, who now lives in Grappenhall, was granted permission to build a detached garage and separate building on an area of the lane residents call ‘the paddock’.

Restrictions were put in place to limit the hours when work could be carried out and access via Old Pewterspear Lane was refused.

Resident Malcolm McGregor, of Pewterspear Lane, said: “When approval was given we were pleased to read that restrictions had been included with the approval.

“However after numerous infringements and reports to the enforcement officer by myself and several neighbours very little action has been taken.

“The boundary hedge along Old Pewterspear Lane has been opened up to make an access onto the lane, despite the planning approval stating that no access is allowed.

“My wife and I, although reluctantly, respect the fact that Mr Mantle has planning permission but he must comply with the conditions attached.”

Mr Mantle has also erected an unauthorised building and high fence – calling it a ‘mess hut’ to store tools.

In October, two enforcement notices were issued ordering the former Appleton resident to remove them but after they were ignored an out of court settlement was agreed earlier this month. It means Mr Mantle now has a year to demolish them.

A spokesman for the council said: “This approach involves the least amount of disturbance for residents and remedies the planning breach.

“The undertaking also imposes an obligation that the land will not be accessed from Old Pewterspear Lane, which is the key element of harm identified.”

Residents said they were not consulted on this decision and after 17 years of ongoing building work they are ‘lost for words’.

Cllr Judith Wheeler said: “The longer non-compliance with the planning obligations continues, the more bitter the dispute.

“Planning applications always have better outcomes when the applicant talks to neighbours or enlists the advice of the parish council or ward councillors.

“Sadly this has not happened and this has resulted in the unpleasant and unfortunate situation we are now in.

“A group of residents after 17 years want to be free of building work and all the upheaval that entails in a quiet residential area. And I fully support them in trying to achieve this.”

Mr Mantle has been contacted by the Guardian.