A council has been accused of ignoring locals' concerns after it approved proposals for a "monstrous" new home.

South Norfolk Council has given the green light to plans to demolish a single-storey bungalow off Intwood Lane in Swardeston, to make way for a two-storey property with an attached garage.

Eastern Daily Press: Proposals for the new homeProposals for the new home (Image: South Norfolk Council)

The decision has "baffled" furious locals who described the home as a "monstrous nondescript building" and argued the development would be intrusive to neighbours and "damage the rural surroundings".

Andrew Jackson, who lives in the area, blasted the council for ignoring the concerns of homeowners. 

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"This huge house is the equivalent of two detached houses," he said.

"And it's planned for a Lane that has always been bungalows.

"Seventy per cent of residents in the Lane objected, but councillors refused to listen.

Eastern Daily Press: Andrew Jackson, who lives in the areaAndrew Jackson, who lives in the area (Image: Andrew Jackson)

“The council's motto is ‘making places better for everyone’ but this development will blight the lives of neighbours and its rural aspect save for the applicant. It's illogical."

Another neighbour, who has asked to remain anonymous, said: "This is totally nuts.

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"The development of faux barns at the bottom of the lane really echo the old farmhouse and buildings of nearby Cavell Barn, but this is a monstrous nondescript building which is squeezed onto one of the smallest plots on the lane."

Neighbours also complained about the felling of what they argued was a mature tree. 

Eastern Daily Press: The proposed site of the homeThe proposed site of the home (Image: Google Maps)

Mr Jackson said one homeowner had claimed the 15-metre fir tree provided screening for neighbouring properties and a "pleasant backdrop for residents further up Intwood Lane".

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A South Norfolk Council spokesman defended its planning committee's decision on Wednesday, December 13 though.

They said: "Intwood Lane includes a mixture of single-storey and two-storey dwellings and the size and scale of the replacement dwelling was considered to be acceptable.

"The council is aware that there was a tree on the application site which has been removed. The tree was not protected under planning legislation, and as such there were no restrictions on its removal."

Attempts to contact the applicant have been made.