NEIGHBOURS say a large new house proposed for Kempsey would spoil a conservation area and ruin the situation of a prominent local landmark.

Strong objections have been raised to the plan for a two-storey house and garage in the grounds of Woodlands, in Old Road North.

The size of the house was a ground for objection, said neighbour Jenny O'Bryan, speaking at this week's meeting of Kempsey Parish Council.

It would be almost as tall as the Woodlands, an imposing house with 30ft high gables that could be seen from various points in and around the village.

"This house is very large and very high. It will ruin the situation of the Woodlands - and does this village need yet another large family house?" she said.

The development would be off a narrow drive, splitting to serve the old house and the new one.

It would radically alter the street scene in Old Road North, replacing a view of trees and a wildlife area with that of a retaining wall, she said.

There were also concerns that the house was to be built over a sewer serving more than 20 houses in Brook End Lane.

Another objector, Angela Chelliah, said a large house with multiple bedrooms would exacerbate existing problems with the sewer.

"Sewage seeps out of the manholes three or four times a year," she said.

John Atkinson, of Old Road North and his neighbour, Paran Atwal, live opposite the development site and said their homes would be overlooked and severely affected by the height of the property.

Parish councillors shared the residents' concerns and raised strong objections to the development plan.

"The proposal fails to enhance the landscape and involves the loss of attractive mature trees," said planning chairman David Harrison.

"There are lots of sewer problems in Old Road North and there are already three extra five-bedroom houses going onto the sewer."