DEVELOPERS who removed stained glass windows at the front of a church being converted to appartments had to put them back.

In November, Rossendale Council issued a notice to Heron Homes which is converting a former church in Edenfield to apartments.

A condition of the planning application being approved was for the developer to retain the stained glass windows at the front of the church.

But during the conversion, the windows were removed from site and inappropriate modern windows were installed instead.

The council took action by handing the developer an enforcement notice.

The stained glass windows have now been reinstated and so the notice was lifted.

Cllr Christine Lamb, portfolio holder for regulatory services and performance, said: “The council will always take firm action against those who defy conditions put down to make sure developments are in keeping with the area.

"In most cases, such as this one, we can resolve it amicably without further action being necessary.

"I want to thank the developers for being prompt in this case in addressing the issues we highlighted.

"Of course, when working with developers fails, we will not hesitate to take further steps but thankfully it’s the exception rather than the rule.”