DEVELOPER Mark Rathbone has incurred the wrath of another builder, Kevin Ellis, after slating a neighbouring property as part of an appeal against refusal of planning permission for his oversized Westington Pound in Chipping Campden.

Mr Ellis, of Henley-in-Arden based Ellis Property Limited, is incensed over comments Mr Rathbone has made to the planning inspector about the other property, Elkstones, which his company is working on.

Mr Rathbone accused Cotswold District Council of having dual standards in giving planning permission for the large extensions at Elkstones but refusing his, and said the materials and workmanship were inferior to Westington Pound.

Mr Ellis hit back saying the accusations could only be seen as a "facile and desperate attempt to excuse his total disregard for due legal process".

Mr Ellis said: "He falsely represents to the Secretary of State that his build is of superior quality, and suggests that Elkstones is built in reconstituted stone. On the contrary, Elkstones has been built in locally-sourced natural stone, and crafted by local master stonemason Ian Rawlings and his team. Similarly, our thatched elements are to be created by local award-winning master thatchers Parkinson Blackwell.

"His comments cast an unwarranted slur upon the professional reputations not only of myself but also upon those excellent local craftsmen who have plied their trade in the Cotswolds for many years. I am seeking legal advice as to the libellous nature of those remarks.

"Also, Elkstones sits on a much larger site. I cannot stand by and see the reputation of local craftsmen needlessly brought into question by someone seeking to divert attention away from his own wilful lack of respect for the law and those who uphold it."

Chipping Campden Mayor Cllr Chris Jones has urged local residents to write to the planning inspector with their views on Westington Pound. Comments should be made in writing (with three copies) to The Planning Inspectorate, Room 3/18B (Eagle Wing), Temple Quay House, 2, The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6PN. Quote reference number APP/F1610/A/07/2054754/WF.

Mr Rathbone could not be contacted for comment.