COUNCILLORS have rebelled against officers to allow a bungalow to be built in the garden of a Worcester house.

The go-ahead was given for the application, at 14 Barneshall Avenue, following a site visit by the planning committee.

Approval was given, despite five other plans for the road being rejected since 1981 and concerns as the area is within the Riverside Conservation Area.

Councillor Robert Rowden said he was amazed officers had recommended refusal.

"This property is inhabited by a retired couple and not a lot of traffic uses this road," he said.

"There are ample trees in the area. Removing a few sycamore or ash should not be a problem as they grow very easily.

"All this couple want to do is build a bungalow for their personal use and I think this should be approved."

Paul Denham pointed out that since 1981 - when original planning permission was granted for this land - policies had changed.

"Five previous applications along this road have been refused. There is no good reason to make an exception in the case otherwise we will be setting a precedent," he said.

Peter Yates, head of planning, said the reason these applications had been refused was due to the inadequate access on to Bath Road.

"In each of the three appeals, the inspector has agreed that access was not suitable for additional traffic," said Mr Yates.

"I have received two letters of objection. They're mainly concerned about highway safety and the impact on wildlife interests on the site."

Councillors were told the tree protection officer was concerned about the number of mature trees on the site which would be threatened by the development.