THE spectre of an ombudsman was brought into play as a Grappenhall man successfully argued against an extension next to his home.

John Roberts, from Cawthorne Avenue, told the borough council's development control committee that the two-storey extension at number 16 was too big.

Mr Roberts, from number 18, said it would affect his light and privacy and quoted his parish council as calling the plan 'overbearing'.

And he told councillors that a previous, smaller extension had been turned down.

He said: "It would seem to me to be inconsistent to refuse a smaller planning application and allow a bigger one.

"If it is granted, it's my intention to seek the views of the local government ombudsman on this matter."

The committee then voted against the extension, going against a recommendation to approve.