They were initially told to retain the existing marsh plants - or sedges - and replace them once work was complete.

However, in a report to Pendle Council's West Craven Committee, planning officer Mr Stan Healey said: "The applicant failed to submit a scheme for storage and seeks to retain new sedges along the bank, as the original plants perished or were discarded."

Officers recommended the new plants which had been put in should be allowed to stay.

But one resident told the committee he was not happy planning rules had not been enforced. He added that more jetties and moorings had been built than the original plan - 57 rather than 51 moorings, with three extra jetties.

He added: "The original plants were bulldozed." He pointed out the new sedges used were "foreign". They were brought in from Norfolk and were therefore not native Pennine plants.

He added: "Even West Craven's own experts seemed to be ignored. Had I realised the planning condition agreements to be without teeth I might not have bought the house.

"I have to say I am a little upset. I am rather disappointed in the way the planning department have been unwilling or unable to take any action."

Coun. David Whipp said: "I think it is regrettable we are looking at this after the event." He said the problem was "pretty weak legislation."

But he pointed out the change in the condition was needed to allow sedges to be replaced. "If we rejected it, it would say we didn't want any sedges planted and if not that would be wrong. I propose we do approve the variation of the condition."

Committee chairman Coun. Margaret Bell said: "It is appalling we have to work round a breach of conditions." She said that when people appealed they tended to get approval despite breaching the condition.