A WOMAN who halted an extension in the hope of being allowed to increase it size- and got neighbours to sign a petition of support- have been refused consent.

Fenland District Council decided Caroline Ely’s plans for her Doddington Road, Benwick, home would impact too much on her immediate neighbours.

Letters of support and a petition signed by 10 local residents failed to persuade councillors who agreed the scheme would be “over dominant” and have an adverse impact on the area.

Various plans for the site have been put forward in the past two years and consent for a two-storey rear extension and single-storey side extension approved in 2010.

However after Mrs Ely began work she decided to “explore the potential” for a large side extension which planners have now thrown out.

A report by officers to the committee details how a Dutch barn element was deleted, the second floor was reduced in depth but in the end they felt the side extension protruded too far out.

What happens now is uncertain but Mrs Ely retains the option to appeal the decision, submit a fresh and modified application or revert back to the previous and agreed plans.