CONSERVATION officers were reluctant to support plans to raise the roof of a garage at a modern conservation area home.

The application, which included a link extension between the house and garage, was put forward at Churchside, Church Lane, Neston by John McNay.

Mr McNay told borough planners he was seeking approval to increase the height of the detached garage at his two-storey property and to link the garage to the house with a flat-roof extension.

Taller garage doors would be fitted at the front and rear to allow for a larger vehicle.

No objections were raised by Neston Town Council or by neighbours who were consulted on the application.

There were no representations from Parkgate borough councillor Brenda Dowding (Con) who was notified but conservation officers said they would be reluctant to support the application due to its poor design.

The property is in an elevated position on Church Lane, according to a report.

Planners said they had noted the conservation officer's remarks but felt the design would be sufficiently in keeping with the property. Although a coach house approach would have been better suited to the surroundings, this would not have been in keeping with the modern property.

The height of the extension had been kept to a minimum and this would not appear prominent on that part of Church Lane.

Planners believed the development would be in keeping with the character and appearance of the house and its surroundings and would preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area.

There would be no unduly harmful loss of privacy, outlook or light for neighbouring properties.

The application was recommended for approval and the borough council agreed permission.