A group of residents in a Wiltshire village claim their neighbours have “misled” them about their plans for a huge loft conversion that will double the size of their home.

Harriet and Aaron Baines, of Horse Road, Hilperton, shared the news in July that they were “embarking on a home improvement” project that would enhance their living space.

But the conversion has upset their near neighbours, with some saying the couple had claimed they had permitted development rights rather than the planning permission they actually needed.

The couple said at the time: “We apologise in advance for any temporary  inconveniences this project may cause and appreciate your understanding and support."

Wiltshire Times: The new loft conversion towers over the garden fence of 24 Horse Road. Photo: Trevor Porter 70278-7 The new loft conversion towers over the garden fence of 24 Horse Road. Photo: Trevor Porter 70278-7 (Image: Trevor Porter)

But when close neighbours saw the size and scale of the development, they immediately bombarded Wiltshire Council with letters of objection.

They say the loft conversion towers over their garden fences and will turn a three-bed, two-bath bungalow into a six-bed, four-bath home.

They are planning to lobby a Hilperton Parish Council meeting on Tuesday, November 14, saying the development will overlook their homes and lead to a complete loss of their privacy.

Wiltshire Times: Raymond Hazel in his garden of 40a Horse Road now overlooked with the new loft conversion. Photo: Trevor Porter 70278-6Raymond Hazel in his garden of 40a Horse Road now overlooked with the new loft conversion. Photo: Trevor Porter 70278-6 (Image: Trevor Porter)

One of them, Raymond Hazel, said: “The development work that has been constructed is overbearing/obtrusive and not in keeping with the area and removes privacy from our property.

“The letter received from the residents that own No 26 Horse Road was sent to only a few residents in the area and is not totally truthful and very economical about the development.

"It appears not to be under the permitted development rules as stated in their letter and only states home improvements and not a whole roof extension and major construction works.

“It compromises the privacy of a substantial amount of properties, approximately 20 including our own. It also appears the new owners have no consideration for their neighbours’ privacy.

“The planning application does not bear any resemblance to the construction that we now have to look at each day. Example, window does not constitute four windows on one side of the property. Yet again the applicants are not being honest about the development.

“It also means that this bungalow that would enable OAPs to downsize from family homes is no longer available due to the development so families have to struggle in undersized starter homes.”

Wiltshire Times: The new loft conversion now overlooks the garden of 40a Horse Road. Photo: Trevor Porter 70278-5The new loft conversion now overlooks the garden of 40a Horse Road. Photo: Trevor Porter 70278-5 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Another, Samantha Lynch, said: “Someone who deliberately abuses the system and applies retrospectively for planning permission for an almost complete build should not be allowed to get away with it.

“Having misled neighbours with an initial note to say it was within legal limits is just ludicrous.”

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Parish council chairman Cllr Ernie Clark called in the plans following the concerns about the scale of the proposed development, its visual impact, design, and relationship to adjoining properties.

He said: “Having been invited into some of the gardens to the rear of the application site, I am shocked at the direct overlooking and absolute loss of privacy which this application will cause.”

Mrs Baines told Wiltshire Council she “understood all works were under permitted development” until she was told by a council officer on September 20 that they weren't.

The officer said: “This history has revealed you have no permitted development rights under the relevant schedules mentioned in the decision notice.

“Therefore, even though the works you are completing ordinarily do not require planning permission, due to the fact your permitted development rights have been removed, you do in fact require planning permission.”

Residents have until Thursday, October 26 to comment on the couple's plans. Wiltshire Council hopes to make a decision on November 23.

Mr and Mrs Baines have been approached for a comment.