A homeowner's three-year planning battle to build a home for his family has stalled - over a pathway three paving slabs long.

Darren Knight first applied to build a four-bedroom house in his back garden for his sick mother-in-law in November 2008.

But despite receiving full permission in March 2009, Brighton and Hove City Council has continued to reel out reasons why he cannot complete the project.

The latest delay is over pedestrian access across three feet of public land to the rear of his house in The Ridgway, Woodingdean.

Despite town hall workers discussing the proposal for more than a year and Mr Knight forking out thousands of pounds on legal advice, the council is no nearer to giving a definitive answer.