AN EXPLANATION has been demanded after Herefordshire planners approved plans in a county village.

Councillors in Vowchurch issued a strong objection to plans to build a new detached garage at a property in Newton St Margarets last year, complaining that it was an "excessively large additional structure and does not relate to the barn as an associated facility".

"The size and scale do not reflect the agrarian character of the local area," the council continued, claiming that the plans for the barn north of Marlborough Grange were contrary to the neighbourhood development plan.

Councillors went on to say that they would support a simple, smaller structure at the property. 

But despite the parish council's concerns, the plans were approved with conditions, with a planning officer saying that after concerns were raised over the initial plans, amendments had been made.

They were to reduce the size of the garage to a single-storey only with three bays. The original plans had included a first floor with a home gym, office, and playroom.

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"The development is now considered to be of a scale, design, and appearance would not harm the character or appearance of the host property or the area in which it is situated," the officer's report said, recommending approval. 

The plans were approved, with conditions, in November.

But it seems councillors in Vowchurch are still not happy about elements of the development, with recent meeting minutes revealing that the parish council had been in touch with Herefordshire Council's development Mark Tansley.

The minutes said a response had been received from Mr Tansley clarifying the planning decision at Marlborough Grange, but that it was agreed that the parish council was not happy with his response.

Councillors said they would like to invite Mr Tansley to a council meeting to discuss why he feels parish council concerns will not be taken any further.