A MAN who was refused permission to build a block of flats has appealed against the decision.

Darren Aldworth wanted to build a two-storey building with two one-bed flats in Westlands Drive in Northway, Oxford, along with a garden and bin and cycle stores.

But the council said it would be a 'visually jarring addition to the street scene' and 'would form an inappropriate visual relationship with surrounding dwellings'.

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This is because of the proposed property's size and the extent to which it would 'project deep into the side garden' of a neighbouring house, resulting in a 'significant loss of openness' between properties.

Planning officers also felt that the areas of garden proposed would not be acceptable or provide the right amount of outdoor space for the flats.

The proposal was also found to be contrary to a number of planning policies and failed to comply with the National Space Standard of 50m2 for a one-storey, two-person dwelling.

Mr Aldworth has now appealed against the council's refusal to the Planning Inspectorate.

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The appeal is being dealt with by an exchange of written statements between Mr Aldworth and the council and will be decided by the inspector appointed by the Secretary of State.

No one can make any new comments on the plans, however people can ask to have their comments on the original planning application withdrawn.

To do this, email West1@planninginspectorate.gov.uk quoting APP/G3110/W/20/3255124.