A FATHER has won his battle to extend his family’s home to provide a relaxation room for his 10-year-old son who suffers from autism.

Habib Ahmed applied to build the extension in Hibson Road, Nelson, to create space for his son Awais Mohammed, who also suffers from epilepsy, eczema and incontinence, which effects social interaction and communication.

Residents in Hibson Road, Pont Street and Bentley Street objected, fearing the structure would be “overbearing” due to its height and length and also that views from adjoining gardens would be restricted.

However, the Nelson Committee, voted in favour of the plans, following a site visit.

The terrace house already has a six-metre extension, which would be increased by a further four metres under the latest proposals for the single-storey extension.

Speaking on behalf of a neighbour, planning consultant Alan Kinder, said: “Because of the length of the extension and its height, it is something like the Berlin wall and would be totally intolerable.”

Awais attends Holly Grove Community Special School, which is part of the Barden Lane campus in Burnley.

Nick Barrett, a high level teaching assistant at the school, who works alongside Hanzer, backed the scheme after being contacted by the family.

He said: “He needs some space away from the hustle and bustle of family life, separate from his siblings to reduce the risk of injury.

“His is the worst case of epilepsy I have ever seen.

“The extension would make his quality of life much better.”