RESIDENTS are up in arms over 'ridiculous plans' for a large dwelling in Highcliffe.

Plans have been appealed to erect a 'huge' two story property at Smugglers Lane in the front garden of one of the houses on the street.

The developers, HB Holdings, initially submitted two applications: one for a four-bedroom house with a double garage and the second for a three-bedroom house with an office and a single garage.

Both proposals were rejected. Now, HB Holdings has appealed this decision.

Steve McGrane, 56, has lived next door to the property with his wife and two children for the past six years. He strongly objects to the build, saying the plans seriously jeopardise his 'forever home'.

Steve said: "The latest appeal has simply brushed over our previous concerns.

"Not only will the development completely overshadow us, but it will turn our pretty south-facing garden into a constant winter.

"We spend so much time outside, but that wouldn't be the same if we had a massive house metres away from us."

The work needed to erect a two-story family home is something that Steve said he finds concerning.

"If they start to build, all the noise and dust will impact the whole street.

"Both my wife and son have asthma, so not only will we end up with a building site next to our back garden, but we will have to put up with all kinds of things that affect their health, which is causing a lot of grief and stress."

Steve said that his rejection has garnered a lot of support from the local community, saying, 'no one wants this to happen.'

The planning application currently has nine objections from residents who oppose the development.

Residents expressed concerns that, if this property is built, it will set a precedent for developers to build in people's gardens, taking away people's privacy and green spaces, blocking roads, and damaging protected trees.

Steve has contacted the Highcliffe Residents Association to highlight what he describes as 'an unsettling trend in a residential area which prides itself on its beautiful gardens and green spaces.'

The Daily Echo contacted HB Holdings for a comment but it had not responded at the time of going to press.