A BRISTOL planning inspector has dismissed an appeal by a Heytesbury cottage owner.

Mrs Louise Morris, of Duck Cottage, Park Lane, Heytesbury, had appealed against Wiltshire Council's refusal to allow a detached double garage with storage in the roof space above.

The planning inspector, S Shapland, agreed with Wiltshire Council's reasons for refusal, in that the proposed development would harm the character and appearance of the area.

The appeal proposal was for the construction of a large double garage which would include a first-floor element for storage with access via an external staircase.

The garage would be clad in feather edged larch timber boarding, with a natural slate roof.

A new vehicular access was also proposed, with the existing access being stopped up and reinstated with hedgerows.

The inspector said the proposed garage was in a prominent location within the appeal site, and would be highly visible from a number of public viewpoints including the public highway.

Furthermore, there is a public right of way which was close to the rear of the appeal site.

Whilst there are currently mature hedgerows which would provide an element of screening, the proposed garage would be highly visible from the right of way.

Wiltshire Council refused Mrs Morris's application in April. She is chairman of Heytesbury, Knook & Imber Parish Council.

The inspector said: “The proposal would introduce excessive built form into the pleasant side garden location.

“Consequently, the scale and massing of the proposal would be out of keeping with the rural nature of this location and does not preserve nor enhance the landscape.”