EXTENDING the gardens of five houses at Kerswell Green would spoil the landscape, with the loss of valuable agricultural land, say planning officers.

Kempsey Parish Council does not object to extending the gardens on land behind Grianane, Kerswell Green, but Malvern Hills planning officers say the plan should be refused.

The gardens would project into countryside by up to 44 metres from their boundaries, possibly with garden sheds, washing lines and children's play equipment, giving an urban look to the landscape, they say.

They are advising members of the northern area planning committee that allowing this proposal would make it more difficult to resist similar plans in future.