A COUNCIL has vowed to continue its ban on new high-cost homes after a government inspector labelled the policy 'Draconian'.

Ribble Valley Council imposed a moratorium on new housing that was deemed not affordable last year in a bid to combat an over-supply of homes that were too expensive for local people.

But planning inspector Peter Jamieson overturned a decision to refuse permission for a new bungalow in George Street, Clitheroe.

Now the applicant, architect Derek Hindle, has joined the row, threatening court action against the council.

Mr Hindle, who now lives in Southport, also revealed he sold the land as soon as permission was granted as a protest against the way he was treated.

Council bosses say the ruling hasn't damaged their planning policy, but couldn't say if it has set a precedent for other developers to build new homes.

Mr Hindle bought the land, next to Pendleton Brook day centre, five years ago and was granted planning permission to build on the site in 2001.

But he was forced to re-apply when permission expired after three years.

He was refused permission by councillors who felt it contravened the moratorium, but the decision was over-turned on appeal.

Mr Hindle said: "The inspector's right -- their policy is Draconian. I was trying to build one bungalow on a brownfield site, but they handled it in a heavy-handed and obstructive manner.

"I'm now considering making a complaint to the Ombudsman about being treated unfairly and might take the council to court to recoup the £2,500 I spent trying to get permission."

The planning inspector ruled the plan could go ahead as the site had a history of consent, was on a brownfield site, was in an urban area and was only a single home.

He added: "It is unclear what real harm would result if these housing figures were exceeded."

Stewart Bailey, the council's director of development services, said: "I don't think this is an across-the-board reversal, but it's difficult to say if it sets a precedent. A lack of affordable housing is the biggest problem facing the Ribble Valley and our policies reflect this."