However can any of your readers explain the thinking of the planning department?

Our application was refused because, whilst satisfying all four criteria, "by virtue of its size together with the size of the existing extensions would result in a disproportionate addition to the host property, thereby significantly detracting from the open character of this green belt location".

The previous extensions, they said, included the garage which is not attached to the house.

How "significant" can 21.42 square metres be to an area of four and a quarter acres of green belt currently being developed by the police department?

Our disappointment was further compounded by the fact that, on our road, at least four modest bungalows have been converted into five-bedroom houses and our neighbour has had a proposed extension approved at least twice the size of ours. Any reader, please, is it worth the hassle to appeal in light of the above facts?

S Affleck, Kirkhamgate, Wakefield