A NATURE lover is over the moon after he was allowed to keep a wildlife haven he has spent 30 years building.

Bryan Farlow has transformed a piece of land behind his house in Carr Bank Avenue, Ramsbottom, into what he calls an "idyllic nature haven".

After carrying out the work in the last year, Mr Farlow put in a retrospective planning application to formally change of use of land to a 'residential garden' and to get the council's approval for the work already carried out.

At a town hall meeting, Bury planning committee gave a 'split decision', ruling that, though 'change of use' cannot go ahead, the work that has been done can stay.

Councillors on the committee instructed Mr Farlow to draw up a landscaping scheme to be approved and implemented within a year.

The 81-year-old said: "It was never my intention for it to be a garden, but a wildlife haven. Until moving here, I had never seen a kingfisher. Now I see them from my bedroom window. It is such a delight."

Mr Farlow has also seen a heron, ducks and geese roost and feed there, and fish have started breeding.

Six neighbours formally objected to Mr Farlow's bid, claiming it was an eyesore and that he should have sought permission before making any changes.

Mr Farlow said: "I am over the moon with the decision. I was very worried about it, some of the comments really upset me, the (objectors) should have had a chat with me. I will reconcile with them."

He added: "I just want to thank everybody who has supported me."

Cllr Robert Hodgkinson spoke at the meeting on behalf of Mr Farlow.

He said: "Ecology and wildlife conservation is a particular interest of Mr Farlow and is the main reason why he has got involved with this land.

"Over the years, the land has suffered erosion and reduced in size due to the lack of maintenance and upkeep and the loss of soil had reduced the viability of vegetation growth. Ultimately, the land would have been lost without any intervention."