A group of residents in Bushey fighting an illegal extension say they are furious retrospective planning permission is set to be approved.

Neighbours of the development, in Partridge Close, claim the "hideous, barn-like building" is not in keeping with the area and is blighting the scenery on their road.

The owners obtained planning permission for a part single, part two-storey extension to the property in October 2008.

The development has since exceeded the approved plans, but council officers have recommended that a retrospective application, to be heard on Thursday, be approved.

Mother-of-two Gemma Chappin, of neighbouring Ash Hill Close, said: "I think it is really unfair. They're big houses in that road but they all look small next to this development. It is such a shame - it just looks out of place."

Hertsmere Borough Council has received 12 formal objections to the six-bedroom property, while residents will also speak against the application at Thursday's meeting.

Neighbours claim the building breaks at least two of the planning regulations, as it is three-storeys high and the roof has not been built to the approved plans.

Mother-of-two Heidi Ashworth, whose house in Merry Hill Road backs on to the property, said: "The system allows them to do this - the council has not responded to our objections. I will be very disappointed if it is approved - it just says to people they can go and build whatever they want."

In the council officers report for the committee, it states that "no undue adverse effects would result from this development in terms of visual impact, or impact on neighbouring amenity".

Barry Stokes, 69, of Merry Hill Road, said: "They have driven a horse and cart through the planning committee. We are astonished it has been recommended for approval. We will be disappointed with the whole system if it is approved - the property is so out of context with the area."