A FLOOD victim who has spent the past three years living in a caravan is relying on councillors to end his "nightmare".

Barry Warrener, of Scothern Lane, Langworth, moved into the temporary accommodation in his garden after his bungalow was left a dilapidated mess following the June 2007 floods.

The floods of June 2007 forced many people out of their homes.

Water gushing into his property caused irreparable damage and left his home uninhabitable.

The 54-year-old is now seeking approval to demolish his property and build a new two-storey house to provide more protection in case of future floods.

Mr Warrener, whose partner of nine years lives in Cleethorpes with her two children, said this was his third attempt at securing permission to extend the property.

He said: "It's been a big strain on the relationship having to live separately.

"The only way out is to build a new house as we can't sell it.

"Personally, it's been a bit of a nightmare.

"I thought I would be living in a caravan for a few months, not three years.

"I've been very disappointed in the response from the council for someone who is stranded."

After purchasing the house in 2001, Mr Warrener submitted his first proposal to West Lindsey District Council before the floods in 2003.

The aim was to extend the property to four bedrooms to allow his family to move in. But the plan was rejected.

Following the summer floods of 2007, Mr Warrener says he held long-term discussions with planning officials about replacing the one-storey bungalow with a two-storey property. After six months' work, he says he was forced to withdraw the plans after concerns were raised.

But window salesman Mr Warrener resurrected these proposals following new advice and a new application.

A public consultation is under way and a decision will be made by West Lindsey's planning committee at a later date.

As reported in the Echo, other Scothern Lane residents have added an extra level onto their bungalows, which are in a flood risk area.

In May, Fiona and Chris Taylor were successful at the third attempt in their efforts to receive permission.

Another Scothern Lane resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "We would like to add another level to our house if we could afford it. Since the floods everyone has been looking at building a level up."

West Lindsey District Council member for Fiskerton, Councillor Meg Davidson said: "Properties which were affected by those floods are now difficult to insure and probably almost impossible to sell. Residents are doing what they can to protect themselves against future flood events."