AN appeal has been lodged after civic chiefs rejected plans to enlarge a house in the Hampshire countryside.

New Forest District Council refused to support an application to build a first floor extension to a semi-detached property at West Park Lane in Damerham.

The council said the house was in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

It added: "Local and national planning policies give great weight to conserving landscape and scenic beauty in AONBs which have the highest status of protection."

The council said the proposed development would be an "overly dominant" feature that would be out of keeping with the street scene.

It added: "Even though there are elements that are considered acceptable within the scheme, the identified harm arising from the first floor rear extension would justify a refusal."

But the applicant, Ross Macildowie, is hoping a government-appointed planning inspector will quash the council's decision.

A statement submitted on his behalf says he took steps to ensure the scheme would have a limited impact on the character and appearance of the area.

It adds: "The extension has been revised to ensure it is a subservient addition which preserves the original character of the host building."