A PLANNING inspector has acted to protect the spaciousness of a residential area in Ellesmere Port.

He decided a new two storey property would harm the character and appearance of the neighbourhood, which has terraced and semi-detached homes with large rear gardens.

The appeal centre around proposals by Mr Johnson for 2 Norley Avenue.

After the borough council refused permission, Mr Johnson appealed to communities and local government secretary Hazel Blears, who appointed inspector Clive Sproule to decide the plans.

The inspector said that while the new house would not appear unduly prominent and have a considerable area of garden, he felt there would be “an obvious departure” from the characteristic layout of houses in the area.

In dismissing the appeal, Mr Sproule added the scheme would be “unacceptably harmful” to the character and appearance of the area.