NEIGHBOURS are at loggerheads over plans to build a two-storey house in a Rowton garden that will “urbanise” the area.

Residents on Rowton Lane, Rowton were shocked to discover a two-storey house was planned in the front garden of one of their neighbours.

After they sent their reasons for objecting to the building, planning officers at the council agreed, refusing the application. But now applicant Tony Smith, of Chestnut Cottage, has appealed against the refusal.

One nighbour said: “It is very big for the space allocated and would look very cramped and intrusive.

“The design is not sympathetic to its environment or indeed complementary to existing neighbouring properties.”

Planners say their original reasons for halting the plans still stand.

In October they said: “The proposed dwelling, by reason of its strident siting in a prominent location, would appear as an overly-dominant and incongruous feature in the street scene, which would have an urbanizing effect on the area thereby causing unacceptable harm.

“The proposal is considered to have a detrimental impact on the openess of the Green Belt.”

The parish council has objected on the grounds the house would be highly visible from Rowton Lane and argue it sets a precedent for further development on the Green belt.

Chairman David Roberts said: “Due to the size of the new development it will be visible from Rowton Lane and the footpath which runs alongside the property, there will be a detremental impact on the area.”

The Planning Inspectorate have now had all documents submitted to them, including a reiteration of the council's objection to the application, and will make a decision on the appeal.