Plans to demolish a "dilapidated" cottage and replace it with a larger home have been turned down.

Phoebe Porter has been refused planning permission to knock down the semi-detached property on Fridaybridge Road, at Elm, near Wisbech and replace it with a four-bed detached house.

The proposals involving demolishing number 99 and making good the party wall with neighbouring number 101.

A planning statement said the luxury property had been designed to "compliment" new homes which had been built nearby in recent years.

READ MORE: Go-ahead for 60 homes in Elm despite objections

READ MORE: Worzals farm shop in Wisbech set to expand

READ MORE: Plans agreed for flats in former post office

But a planning officer's report said: "Demolition of the adjoining dilapidated cottage and the rebuilding of a large, detached dwelling in its place will result in the remaining cottage being isolated in the street scene.

"In addition, the proximity of the new, substantial dwelling adjacent to the remaining cottage would result in an apparent ‘dwarfing’ of the retained cottage."

Fenland council received four letters in support of the proposals.

One said: “The current site is derelict, uninhabitable and in dire need of redevelopment to match the surrounding properties along the street.

"The planned property looks fantastic and matches the character of other new builds in close proximity."