A PRANKSTER calling himself 'Bob Marley' has raised a few eyebrows by posting an unusual planning application on the council's website... for a hair extension.

The bizarre request - which was filed as part of a caravan site licence application - caused initial confusion among web users, who only realised it was a hoax when they checked the applicant's details.

The posting - reference number 2517/09 - which was filed nearly a week ago, will come as an embarrassment for the council, which has been highly praised for the quality of its recently upgraded website.

Regular website user James McKinley, of Hermon Hill, said the application was a welcome change from the usual postings.

He said: "It just looks like someone's having a bit of a laugh.

"It certainly isn't what you'd expect to see there. Makes a change I suppose.

"Since I bought my flat I've spent quite alot of time rooting through planning applications on the site but have never seen anything like that before.

"I hope the council leaves it up there.

"The rest of the site is really well maintained so it's strange that something like that would slip through."

A spokeswoman for Redbridge Council said: “The application was created internally during a test run of the council’s web services, but was published rather than deleted. This test application will obviously not be processed and will be removed from the system.

"While we apologise for any confusion caused, we are glad to see the public using our upgraded website to find out about local planning applications and we welcome their feedback on the service.” The council has yet to comment.