ENFORCEMENT action could be taken against a development in Cross Hills which is not being built according to planning approval.

Work on the old abattoir behind 35a Main Street was halted last summer.

Permission had been given to convert the abattoir into a home in February 2005, but revised plans to rebuild the abattoir were turned down by the district council.

The plans went to appeal, but were dismissed by a planning inspector.

Glusburn Parish Council had said the development was impacting on nearby properties.

Coun Roger Nicholson, who is also chairman of the parish council, said at the time of the previous planning meeting that the height of the new building was 1.1 metres higher than the size approved by members.

"Unfortunately, we now see a new build, a larger build, closer to other property. The developer has not done what he was supposed to do as far as this council is concerned. He broke the rules," Coun Nicholson stated.

This week planning committee members again met to discuss a new application to retain the work done on site. The developer had suggested lowering the roof by 16 inches.

Coun Paul English backed a proposal to refuse the plans.

"If we are making decisions that are being ignored, we may as well all go home," he told the committee.

Coun Marcia Turner added: "If we say no (to planning permission) that should be it. We shouldn't have to come backwards and forwards until we are worn down."

Even though Craven District Council's planning officers felt the amended plans had addressed the previous shortcomings, members of the committee voted to refuse them and begin enforcement action if necessary.

They gave their reasons as those stated in the inspector's report which included his concern over the height of the proposed north wall which could present an "invasive sense of enclosure" for the occupants of the first floor flat to the north side of the development.