Chatteris businessman Peter Taylor is threatening legal action if Fenland Council planning committee agrees to allow plastic windows to remain in a Wisbech hair salon.

Mr Taylor said his unsuccessful battle nine years ago to persuade the council to allow him to retain four replacement windows in a terraced house in New Road, Chatteris, ended up costing him nearly £10,000 in costs and legal fees.

“I will want all of that back and more if the council allows this Wisbech application to go through,” he said.

“The problem is that the council has always had has been inconsistent.”

Mr Taylor’s outburst comes after it was revealed there is growing demand – including from some councillors – to allow The Retreat salon in Exchange Square, Wisbech, to retain sash windows. Owner Paul Faulkner believes it could cost him up to £12,000 to replace them if the council insists on removing them and replacing them with windows in character with the conservation area.

The planning committee is being recommended to refuse leniency and insist that the windows are replaced.

Local planning specialist Peter Humphrey believes consistency is the key issue that the council must address.

“Can you please confirm what actions FDC enforcement have taken against the 70 or more unlawful uPVC windows and 30 or more shutters to buildings within the Wisbech Conservation Area, as previously notified?” he has asked Fenland Council.

He has sent the council a photo of a building on Nene Quay, Wisbech, showing the elevations in June 2016 – with no uPVC windows.

“Please advise what action FDC has taken against the building owners now new plastic windows have been installed?” he said.

He said the building is adjacent to Constantine House and he wants enforcement officers to take a look and report back.