CONTROVERSIAL plans to build an office block at Fairbrothers Farm have been delayed after die-hard objectors took the bull by the horns and commissioned their own report on the site.

At a planning committee meeting held on Tuesday night, councillors voted to postpone a decision until a site visit takes place on November 5.

But householders living near the proposed development, near the Rookery, on Crow Lane East, say they are shocked that a visit has been left until so late in the proceedings.

An initial application was submitted in January this year and approved, but it was later shelved because the dimensions were inaccurate.

Objectors to the site employed the services of an independent planner who has produced a report detailing discrepancies, which they claim 'vindicate their concerns.'

The report was circulated amongst all committee members before the meeting and residents claim this is the real reason the decision has been deferred.

Kirsty Barr, who lives in the Rookery, said: "Because we felt the council were dismissing us and ignoring our objections at every opportunity we got an independent planning report and a solicitor. This report completely vindicates everything we've said so far

"The plans that were initially passed fell through because the dimensions were too big to fit on the site - how can you give permission for something that doesn't even fit on to the site?

"We have circulated our independent report to every councillor, it's obvious that we're taking this very seriously and are willing to put money behind our argument if need be."

The move followed a recommendation from the chairman, Clr Patricia Martinez-Williams, that the committee should view the development site prior to making their decision.

A spokesman for St Helens Council, said: "Planning permission was granted for a similar scheme earlier this year.

"There is considerable local opposition to the plans. St Helens Council is keen to consider the views of all interested parties and councillors agreed that it would be helpful to see the site and its surroundings to help them come to a decision."