PLANS to improve a ‘bland’ house were granted permission by councillors at Cotswold District Council.

An application to build an extension, demolish a garage and install a set of glass panels at the back of Lane House in Sawpits Lane, Lower Oddington was approved by members of the district council’s planning committee, despite opposition from neighbours.

The proposed installation of the glass panels was objected to by neighbours. Gabriella and Timothy Tose who argued that the modern appearance of the glass panels would have a harmful impact on the conservation area and on their home, which is a listed building.

In a submitted objection comment, Mr Tose also said that the development would “diminish the current values and traditional appeal of this picturesque village”.

Cllr Julian Beale, district councillor for the area, echoed the neighbours’ objections during a planning meeting on Wednesday, April 12.

He said: “I have great sympathy for what the objector has said. The problem with this proposal is not to improve and good a building.

“It is just that the design is so out of keeping with the environment and rather unattractive.

“It is a poor design and will have an adverse impact on its immediate surroundings.”

Cllr David Fowles agreed with the ward councillor saying that “the glass box does detract from the property”.

But other councillors thought the modern alteration to the house would be an improvement.

Cllr Sue Coakley said: “This is not a traditional building. I think what is proposed is sympathetic to the existing building. This is better to what it was before.”

Cllr Alison Coggins added: “The proposal will make it more conducive to modern living.”

Cllr Coleman, however, suggested that the set of glass panels may “look a bit odd to go with such a bland thing”.