A HOUSE for grandparents to retire to has been given the go-ahead, despite being recommended for refusal.

Robert Oliver and his wife applied to build a three bedroom chalet bungalow in the garden of their house at Acton Green, Acton Beauchamp.

He told the Herefordshire Council planning committee they currently live with their daughter, her partner and their four children.

They want to remain close to help with childcare and so their daughter can look after them in the future.

The committee heard there was tremendous support for the application from villagers.

Herefordshire Council ward member Patricia Morgan said the site lies between two properties and is essentially infill and there have been 19 letters of support.

The planning officer recommended the application for refusal because it goes against the council's policies as it is in a rural area not earmarked for future growth.

But Cllr Morgan said: "We need to be building houses for people for their old age and that is precisely what we are going here."

The committee voted in favour of granting planning permission.