A GOVERNMENT watchdog is investigating a complaint from a man who says a new apartment building, which overlooks his back garden, has ruined his 'Shangri-la'.

Phil Parry, aged 52, of Highfield Avenue, has made an official complaint to the Local Government Ombudsman over a development to the rear of Liverpool Road.

The Robert Foden Estates-venture was found by Warrington Borough Council in January to contravene planning guidelines.

Now Mr Parry is accusing the borough council of failing to take 'timely and effective action' to control the work and is questioning its overall handling of the matter.

But the borough council says it is taking 'considered' action to secure the best outcome.

Mr Parry, who has chronic fatigue syndrome and high blood pressure, said that he and his 88-year-old disabled mother, Marjorie Dixon, used to enjoy spending time in the garden.

But now the building is 'looming large', their enjoyment of the garden and the rear of their home has been affected considerably.

"It's affected my health. My doctor called my garden Shangri-La and now we have got to look at the side of an apartment building!"

John Groves, the borough council's development control manager, said: "Because of the stringent laws surrounding planning issues there are procedures that must be followed. The expectation of immediate action can often be misplaced."

He added that although the building does not comply with the approved plans, the council is still required to consider whether the development is acceptable.

"In this case, the guidance suggests that we encourage a retrospective application for planning permission in order to explore these issues, and we have pursued the developer to this end," Mr Groves said.

The borough council has passed all details on to the ombudsman.

Robert Foden Estates was unavailable for comment as the Warrington Guardian went to press.