Claims adding a second floor with balconies to a house would be 'out of character' with a neighbouring listed building have been rejected by East Lothian planners.
Owners of a single storey home in North Berwick applied to extend up with a new first floor addition including balconies. However the town's community council branded the addition over development and complained it would be out of character with the B-Listed house next door.
East Lothian Council planners dismissed the claims, saying that while the addition of an extra floor would alter the character of the home they did not believe it would be 'harmful'.
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And they said because the property was building upwards it would not be extending its footprint.
They said: "The proposed extension by being of a contemporary architectural form and finish would complement the character and appearance of the existing house and would not be harmful to it."
The house at Windyheugh, is next to the B-listed 19th century Windygates House.
North Berwick Community Council said the extension would be out of character with surrounding housing, particularly Windygates.
Planners received six objections to the proposals with concerns ranging from the impact of the building work to the creating of 'roof terraces' which would overlook neighbouring homes.
Planners rejected claims the balconies would create an overlooking terrace pointing to plans to install 1.8metre high screens on them.
And they said of concerns it could lead to intrusive noise: "A balcony is not an inappropriate addition to a house and would not be expected to generate unacceptable noise levels."
They added: "If excessive noise or disturbance occurs to neighbouring properties then any complaints could be investigated by the council's protective services."
Planners granted permission for the extension with conditions that the opaque screens on the balconies are approved by officers.
