A proposal to almost double the size of a former farm worker's cottage on the back of the river Orwell has been met with opposition from neighbours and a range of experts.

The written objections have come in as pat of the public consultation on the development, which closes tomorrow, March 24.

As reported by Nub News last week, Kathryn Blake, the daughter of Shotley parish council chairman Richard Wrinch, has applied to build a large extension on the back of their house at Hill Cottages at the bottom of Wades Lane in Shotley.

Link to full story at bottom.

However, the planning experts at the Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, (AONB) have objected to the proposals describing the designs as 'incongruous' and say it would have a negative impact on neighbouring homes.

The AONB also has concerns to the proximity of the new development on the nearby public paths, views from the river Orwell walk and the scale of the extension, which would almost double the footprint of the property.

A a letter of objection the AONB planning officer wrote: "The extension is likely to be visible from sections of the public rights of way network in this relatively flat and open landscape.

"The AONB team also have concerns about the amount of glazing being proposed which will increase its visual dominance in the landscape. While care has been taken to recess some of the larger glazed openings, the overall increase in the amount of glazing and its configuration has the potential to spill light into this highly tranquil area.

"Tranquillity and Dark Skies are both recognised special qualities of the Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB, therefore the management of light pollution from all sources needs careful consideration to conserve these qualities."

She also said: "Overall, the scale and mass of the extension, the amount of glazing being proposed, the modern design and the construction materials, will introduce development that could be perceived as being incongruous within this part of the AONB.

Suffolk Preservation Society has also formally objected on similar grounds and added: "(We) consider that the proposal is harmful to the landscape character and amenity of adjoining residents, and accordingly urge that the application is resisted in its current form in favour of a more modest scheme that respects the sensitive location and amenity of neighbours."

Nearby neighbours Peter and Sophie Webb also objected, airing concerns that the new look would change the character of the neighbouring Grade 2 listed Hill House property and the existing Hill House Cottages which are being developed.

They are also worried that the large windows from the development would overlook their property and adversely affect their privacy in a bedroom, bathroom and garden

The application, and opportunity to comment, can be found on the Babergh planning page using reference: DC/22/01059

Hill House Cottage article here.