A THREE-STOREY town house could be built on a street of bungalows and semi-detached houses if a Government inspector rules in favour of the development.

Residents on Stead Lane, Hoyland Common, are outraged by the plans which they say would impose on their own homes. Those closest say it will block light from their homes and ruin views. There are fears the building could devalue property. Irene Clarke, who lives two doors away, said: “It’s absolutely awful, we would lose all privacy at the back of our house.”

At least 60 letters opposing the proposal have been given to the inspector. The proposal seeks to demolish the two-storey Clough House and replace it with a six or seven-bedroom townhouse with pillars and front balcony. The building would be 60 foot across. Nearby residents have labelled it Southfork, after TV show Dallas.

Planning permission was turned down twice by Barnsley Council but the applicant, Simon Sanger, has appealed to the government. An inspection was carried out Wednesday and a decision is expected in five weeks.

Mr Sanger, a restaurateur, has already built two four-bedroom properties on the site. Initially he planned to build two more but altered his proposals in April. He insists there are no fundamental difference because the one house would not extend any further than the two would.

He plans to live in the development with his family.

He said: “This new house won't be any taller than the existing one because the third floor will be in the roof. All my neighbours have done is complain.”