RESIDENTS have reacted angrily to a plan to build two flats near their homes, claiming their views have been ignored.

Dozens of homeowners in Harlington Avenue and Glebe Gardens, Grove, are furious the plan to extend and convert a nearby house into two flats has been approved.

They are urging the Vale of White Horse District Council to reconsider.

About 30 residents objected, with a list of grievances, including claims the development would encroach on to a footpath. They also said off-street parking was insufficient and more cars would add to congestion in the street. Some residents said the development would be a burden on drainage.

Grove Parish Council raised similar concerns and councillors strongly objected to the plan. They said the decision would set a precedent for similar developments.

One protester, Jarvis West, 68, of Harlington Avenue, said: "I feel that two flats in the middle of the street - there's nothing else like it. It isn't very nice for the people who live here. It's going to be quite imposing on our view and they are changing the whole aspect of the house."

Valerie Belcher, 58, of Harlington Avenue, said: "We have all spent money on our houses and now someone's come in and said they want to build this, and now it's ruining it for everyone else in the street.

"We don't know who we are going to get in there either. We've had trouble here before and it's something I'm weary of. It's like the council has no regard for anyone who lives here. It's like a brick wall; we can't do anything."

David Bradfield, 67, of Harlington Avenue, said: "I'm very much against the application. It's just taking up green space and they are probably going to remove some of the trees. There are all sorts of things against it - the application should never have been approved. But people's views are rarely listened to on things like this."

Gavin Walton, a spokesman for the Vale of White Horse District Council, said: "The application was considered by the Vale's development control committee, who approved it and found that there were no reasons for not granting approval."

The council said it had received quite a few letters, which were being considered, but advised residents there was no third party right of appeal once a decision had been made.

Conservative district councillor James McGee said: "I held a meeting with around 30 residents and it is clear on receipt of so many letters and a general petition, that the council has not listened to its constituents. Wantage and Grove residents are all taxpayers and should have the same rights as those in Abingdon. It is clear from the council's position on this matter that we are not important at this end of the Vale and its constituents' views, as well as that of the parish council, are of no importance to them whatsoever."

The developer could not be contacted for comment.