PLANS to turn a bungalow into a five-bedroom two-storey house in Pitton have been given the go-ahead amidst an outcry from local residents.

The two-bedroom bungalow in White Way will now almost double in size with a six metre rear extension and a raising of the roof ridge by 1.7 metres to a total height of 6.35 metres to allow for rooms in the roofspace.

The plans, submitted by Mr Juhkental and Miss Horvath, for Mayfield were approved by the narrowest of margins.

With four councillors at Thursday's Southern Area Planning Committee meeting voting to support it, and four against, the decision came down to chairman Fred Westmoreland's casting vote.

The application prompted 17 letters of objection with concerns from local residents over the development not being in keeping with the character of the area, overdevelopment of the site, the overbearing nature of the development and parking issues.

It comes after a neighbouring property, Journey's End, gained planning permission for the demolition of the existing bungalow and a replacement two-storey, four-bedroom home.

Rod Coppock, chairman of Pitton and Farley Parish Council, which strongly objected to the Mayfield proposals, criticised the planning report saying it contained a "serious error" with an incorrect calculation of the roof height compared to neighbouring properties.

He said: "When Mayfield’s ridge is increased, it will be 1.3m higher than its neighbour, Journey's End, not lower as the officer claims.

"Also, no attempt has been made by the planning officer to ensure that Highways’ concern about parking spaces and access to the road have been addressed."

Councillor Chris Devine, the ward councillor, called it "inappropriate development" and "out of character", voting against the scheme while councillor Ian West said it was "too large" and the parking issues needed to be resolved.

Councillor Richard Clewer said properties nearby had already had similar changes made while councillor Westmoreland said raising the roof to the proposed height was "not the end of the world".

The plans were approved subject to conditions which include that the issue surrounding parking was resolved.