FIVE homeowners are being told to demolish their balconies - because planning permission has never been granted for them.

The plush town houses on the new Charlton Homes estate, in Greenbank, were only given permission to have balconies measuring 1.2 metres, allowing one or two people to sit out and drink coffee or read a newspaper.

But the housing developers built the balconies measuring 3.3 metres - and this has angered people living nearby and Vale Royal Borough Council planners.

Now the council is to order the owners of 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 Foxendale Close to take down the balconies.

A planning officer's report reads: "The balconies have now been provided with patio furniture and are used for entertaining, barbecues and for sitting out for long periods at any time of the day or evening.

"Lights have been provided and one balcony has outdoor heaters which allows longer use than may otherwise occur.

"This causes noise and distubance and a loss of privacy to the existing neighbouring properties which is detrimental to 8 and 9 Blossom Heights."

A spokesman for Charlton Homes said the company would appeal.

"Furthermore, Charlton Homes is not aware as yet that the planning application has been refused as we have had no notification from Vale Royal Borough Council. As soon as it is received the matter will be taken further," he said.

"Any enforcement action will not take place at this time because it cannot happen while an appeal is taking place."