A PUB licensee's dreams of creating his own helicopter pad have flown from his grasp once more after his application for planning permission was deferred a second time.

But John Holmes, who wants a landing pad and parking area for two helicopters in the field next to the Hare and Hounds, in Black Ends Lane, Colne, said the setback would not stop his fight.

He said he would be within his rights to run pleasure flights 28 days every year without permission and if it came down to it that would be what he would do.

Neighbours are battling to get the plan thrown out by the council, claiming wildlife would be disturbed and there would be too much noise.

Nineteen letters containing 35 separate objections have been submitted to the council as well as a 180-name petition.

Mr Holmes also submitted a letter which said the pad would probably cater for as few as three or four landings each week.

Councillors deferred the application for an ecological assessment of the area.

This would include habitat mapping, a survey of breeding birds, a botanical survey and assessment of the site against the Biological Heritage Site selection criteria.

Councillors were told this would not be carried out until all fears about foot and mouth had disappeared -- which could be next year at the earliest.

But Mr Holmes said: "We believe we are not in a heritage site.

"We are having a meeting with the planners tomorrow. We can fly helicopters for up to 14 weekends a year but that is not what I want to do.

"It depends on what happens tomorrow but I shall withdraw the plan if they say I have to have the assessment, which would be at my cost, and I will run pleasure flights. I may also appeal."