RESIDENTS on Cherwell Heights, Banbury, are furious about the way a planning application to extend a house in Chatsworth Drive was handled by planning officers.

Neighbours fear the detached house is being turned into flats and they say the unaltered house has already been let to six Polish workers.

Cherwell District Council's planning officers have been accused of approving the extension without visiting the site, and of ignoring objections from 20 nearby homeowners. Banbury Town Council also objected to the development, which more than doubles the property's floor space.

Resident Dennis Rutland said: "A planning injustice is being foisted on the residents of Chatsworth Drive and Aston Close.

"After receiving protests from 20 nearby houses, Cherwell Council's planning office said they would only grant planning permission for one side extension.

"Revised plans were then submitted but they did not address most of the points raised by the planners. The extension was reduced to five bedrooms and one wing was cut to a single storey. But it is still more than twice the original floor space.

"We asked the planning officer to visit the site but were told he had been doing the job for many years and could visualise it without a visit."

John Radley of Aston Close said: "This extension will be built on green space and will reduce visibility for drivers on a dangerous and busy corner. The council has not replied to our letters, and this planning application could set a precedent for others."

Chris Cousins, who lives next door to the house, said: "Our objections to the council fell on deaf ears. We have queried the new owners' right to build on common land that was 'adopted' by the previous owner."

Planning assistant Caroline Martin said: "On behalf the local planning authority, we have no comments to make on this application. The file is available to view in the planning department. On the file you will find the answers to the points mentioned."

The new owner of the house, who currently lives in The Fairway, said: "The house will be for me and my family to live in. Residents will see that when the work in finished. We will be living there."