A LONG-running saga involving an east Cleveland man's pigeon loft is likely to take another twist next week.

Last June, Kenneth Wren, of Shepherds House Farm, Brotton, was given nine months to organise moving his pigeons to alternative accommodation because the 100ft long loft was too noticeable in the attractive countryside, which is in the heritage coast area.

Now, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's planning committee has been asked to consider a proposal to convert an agricultural holding at the farm into a stud, which would breed up to 500 birds a year.

The birds would be sold at a rate of 50 a week from a dispatch point in Middlesbrough between early January and April each year and breeding would be phased over nine months.

Local people have objected to the plan, but it is backed by the Royal Racing Pigeon Association which says the plan is agricultural diversification, which the Government is keen to support.

Council planning officers have said it cannot be considered a diversification scheme because, although Mr Wren lives in a bungalow on the farm site, he does not live at the farm itself.

It is also thought the stud farm would be harmful to the countryside environment.

They have recommended that the scheme be turned down.

The committee will discuss the issue when it meets on Monday.