PLANNING permission for a ‘summerhouse’ was refused because large windows looking onto a neighbouring home could cause light pollution.

The application to build an outbuilding in the garden of a home on Charlbury Road was refused Oxford City Council’s west area planning committee on Tuesday night.

Councillors were worried that doors with large glass panels facing towards a neighbouring home and garden might cause high levels of light pollution.

Council staff warned the applicant, Mr A Crean, could build a similar outbuilding without permission, under permitted development rules.

The plan is now likely to go to appeal.