The council was concerned that the scheme would destroy part of the town's medieval burgage plots and entail the removal of brick walls surrounding an existing dwelling, undermining their historic and architectural integrity.
While conceding that the combination of traditional and contemporary design features in the proposed house was not inappropriate in principle, it argued that large roof lights and solar panelling would appear incongruous and out of character with the area.
The deputy prime minister agreed that the size and bulk of the proposed building would inevitably change the area's open character and would compete in visual terms with nearby buildings, particularly the existing house.
He also held that the gable elevations would appear bulky and out of character with the conservation area, reinforcing his reasons for rejecting the scheme.
DCS No: 100039527; Inspector: Graham Dudley; Hearing.
