Neighbour objections over changes to a Lyme Regis home have failed to persuade councillors that the alterations will have the impact claimed.

The planning case officer recommended approval for the updates to the home at 5 Overton Close off Timber Hill, although some neighbours, the town council and Lyme Regis councillor Belinda Bawden were opposed.

An immediate neighbour, Steve Offord, told the area planning committee that changes made to the original design had not overcome the fears of neighbours.

He said that the extended property would shadow his home and garden and the reduction of 500mm on the roof  line would still leave it looking ‘visually dominant’ in what, he claimed, was a complete remodelling which would be out of place in the Close.

The application included a first floor extension to include a balcony, a front porch and associated landscaping.

Owner Gaynor Noakes said the brief for the changes had been to modernise the property with a design which was sympathetic to the area and would have the least impact on neighbours – changes which the council planning officer had backed.

Cllr Bawden said the alterations, in her opinion, would have a negative impact on other homes in the area and the views across Timber Hill towards the South West coast path.

“I believe it would be overbearing in that location. It is an important and peaceful part of the town…it is out of scale, out of keeping with the local properties and will have a negative impact on several of the neighbour, not just number 4,” she said.

Proposing the changes be accepted Cllr Nick Ireland said he did not believe they would have a major impact on anybody while Cllr Kelvin Clayton said that while he was sympathetic to the neighbours saw nothing in the changes which would warrant an objection.

The committee agreed the proposals on a majority vote.