A HOMEOWNER'S plans to build an "excessively" high wall and electric gate to the front of a bungalow has been refused by Thurrock Council.

Planning officers were asked to approved the five foot brick and aluminium slatted wall with a matching sliding security gate at 1 Rookery Close, Stanford-le-Hope which would have obscured the front of the property.

The bungalow is situated in a cul-de-sac with other bungalows surrounded largely by gardens with low walls. Officers said the large wall and gate would be out of keeping with neighbouring properties.

The officers' report said: "The proposed replacement and raising of the boundary wall, along with the addition of electric sliding gates, would appear out of character with both the host dwelling and the surrounding street scene.

"The existing character of Rookery Close is defined by a fairly open streetscape, with consistently low boundary walls contributing to a sense of uniformity and openness.

"The raised height of the proposed wall would be visually prominent, contrasting sharply with the prevailing low boundary treatments.

"Furthermore, the increased height of the boundary wall in relation to the low form of the bungalow would create an imbalance, visually dominating the main dwelling and appearing incongruous within the context of the site."

While concluding the wall and gate would not overshadow neighbouring properties, the report added: "The inclusion of electric sliding gates would further exacerbate the visual impact, creating a feature that is overly prominent and inconsistent with the established character of the street.

"Overall, the proposal would be excessive in the context of an open and low-character street scene, disrupting the established form and appearance of the area. Therefore, the proposal would fail to accord with policies."