AN appeal against Bradford Council's decision to refuse plans for a house in a Silsden garden has been dismissed.

An application to build a house in the garden of 12 Telford Close was refused in September, with officers saying the site was too small for another detached dwelling, and that the building would be a "cramped and over dominant feature" on the cul-de-sac.

Applicants Mr and Mrs Whitaker appealed the decision, saying the refusal decision was made by the Council based on "assumptions" rather than facts, and that other local precedents for similar developments "have been completely ignored."

But now a government appointed planning inspector has dismissed that appeal.

In his decision, Inspector John Dowsett said: "The appeal proposal would introduce a taller building onto higher ground behind the line of the street that would disrupt the visual continuity around the head of the cul-de-sac and create an awkward transition between the two existing bungalows that currently terminate the view.

Concerns over narrow access road lead to Silsden homes plans being refused

"The proposed new dwelling would not appear well integrated with the existing street scene.

"This inconsistency with the surrounding built form would be exacerbated by the appeal site’s prominent position at the head of cul-de-sac."

He said the house would not cause any highways issues, and would not cause harm to the amenity of neighbours.

But this did not overcome the fact that the new home would have a  "substantial and lasting" harm on the appearance of the area, he concluded.