A couple were today celebrating after taking on the bureaucrats and winning.

Jimmy and Carol Elster feared they would be thousands of pounds out of pocket after Basildon District Council told them the double glazed windows they'd had put in violated a long-standing conservation ruling.

When the couple moved to Bridgecote Lane, Noak Bridge, in 1998 they replaced the crumbling windows with double glazing - a move they believed was their right as property owners.

When retrospective planning permission was refused, retired salesman Mr Elster took on the local authority single-handed with no help from solicitors or surveyors. He wrote numerous letters to the planning inspector and appealed.

The inspector's final decision was given this week saying the windows could stay because they were acceptable and in keeping with the area.

Mr Elster, 71, said: "I've written to the inspector's office in Bristol and thanked them for helping to put my faith back in democracy and justice. It was a fair decision. A lot of people wouldn't have known what to do but everybody has the right to appeal.

"The officers at Basildon District Council were also very helpful and I do understand there have to be rules. The inspector's decision has taken a great weight off my mind."

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.