CATHOLIC priest Monsignor John Allen has quit his post as Mayoral Chaplain in protest at Bury Council.

He claims the local authority insulted residents in giving the go-ahead to controversial plans for the former Sainsbury's site.

Monsignor Allen, priest of Our Lady of Grace parish in Prestwich, said: "I have resigned as Mayoral Chaplain. I would have felt very uncomfortable leading prayers in council chambers after their affront to local democracy."

Monsignor Allen was appointed chaplain to the current Mayor of Bury, Councillor Wilf Davison, in May and performed a special Mayoral ceremony at Our Lady of Grace (OLOG) Church in Fairfax Road as part of his installation.

Coun Davison is a regular worshipper at OLOG and Monsignor Allen's job is to offer the mayor spiritual guidance during his year of office and to lead prayers before the start of each meeting of the full council at Bury Town Hall.

As reported exclusively in the Guide, the long-standing relationship between the two was thrown under the spotlight after Bury planners approved plans for a ten-storey shopping and apartments complex.

Monsignor Allen had publicly campaigned against the development, by Richardsons (with MCO Developments) and Countryside Properties, claiming it would overshadow the church and presbytery due to its height.

Even when the developers amended the plans to reduce the impact on Fairfax Road, Monsignor Allen said they had ignored the wishes of Prestwich residents by creating an even larger scheme.

After a six for and six against vote, the project was ultimately given approval on the casting vote of planning committee chairman, Coun Tony Cummings, and Monsignor Allen said they had "sold the soul" of Prestwich. However, as a member of the committee, mayor Coun Davison forfeited his vote and failed to attend the crucial meeting, declaring an interest.

He said his relationship with Monsignor Allen could be "deemed by others as to affect" the situation.

Soon after the planning decision, Monsignor Allen took the unprecedented step of resigning as Mayoral Chaplain but stressed it was not a personal snub to Coun Davison.

Monsignor Allen said: "It is nothing personal with the mayor but with the council. I told Wilf first of my decision and we have spoken since."

Coun Davison said: "I am obviously disappointed that Monsignor Allen has chosen to stand down but I absolutely appreciate and respect the fact that he is doing so over a matter of conscience. Monsignor Allen is my parish priest and we have known each other for many years. There is no issue between us and he remains my parish priest." Coun Davison said he was grateful for the work Monsignor Allen had done to date and said he would cherish the memory of him officiating at his civic mass as a highlight of his year in office.

Monsignor Allen's replacement will be Father David Egan, of St Bede's Presbytery, who is experienced in civic matters, having just completed a year as chaplain to the High Sheriff of the County of Greater Manchester.