A refused side and front extension proposed for Harpenden’s conservation area has been overturned on appeal.

Permission has now been granted for the first floor extension to a large detached two-storey home, along with window and internal alterations, at 1 Bowers Way.

St Albans district council had rejected the bid, with the main issue being whether the proposal would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the town’s conservation zone.

The house, according to the appeal decision, was built in “the style of the art and craft movement within an area of similarly designed houses”.

But in his decision planning inspector Gareth Thomas said that while it was described “as a locally listed building, little detail is provided in terms of the characteristics that the council considers valuable. That said, it is an attractive property.”

He allowed the appeal, saying the proposed design of the extension incorporated recesses to help reduce the overall bulk of the development, which was in keeping with the area’s character.