ANGRY residents have hit back at a farmer threatened with eviction who has installed two seven-foot high soil mounds and a huge storage tank for milk and fruit juices - despite not been given planning permission.

Two restrospective applications to build them at Pollards Farm, Howick Cross Road, were submitted to South Ribble Borough Council chiefs in March but have yet to be discussed by the planning committee.

Now neighbours are complaining about the developments which, they fear, could become a permanent fixture.

It follows a High Court ruling on April 7 to evict proprietor Joseph Taylor from the county council-owned farm over a breach of tenancy by using the farm as a bottling firm.

Resident Peter Oliver, who has lived on Howick Cross Road for 17 years, said: "The whole house shakes when 48-tonne wagons come thundering down the road.

"I've just had an estimate for £6,500 to repair stonework around my windows. I just can't afford it.

"I can't believe two more applications have been submitted when they have been told they are going to be evicted."

The Taylor family were given six weeks to leave the site they have occupied for 42 years and are currently fighting a decision not to grant an appeal against the High Court ruling.

Anne Swire, whose home faces the site, said: "Over the years I have suffered from anxiety and depression and have had to take sleeping tablets to get to sleep at night because of the noise."

Mr Taylor's son, Andrew, said his family have continuously offered to work with residents.

"A resident reported us to environmental health because of noise levels so we put the soil bunds in on a trial basis to see if they reduced it," he said.

"There would be no point in applying for planning permission if they wouldn't work.

"We're trying to make things better for the residents."

David Watts, chairman of the borough's planning committee, said: "The application is in the chain and will be brought before the committee to be discussed.

"To file a planning application after you have already built something is not in line with rules and I don't agree with this suck it and see attitude."

The residents turned out in force at the Higher Penwortham Area Committee forum, in Cop Lane, on Monday, to voice their concerns.

A representative from the county council said he would look into their concerns.