Plans to extend a historic barn in Green Belt and AONB land in Downley that residents feared would spoil an “iconic” view have been given the go-ahead.

Hughenden Hall, a late 18th century barn that was part of Downley Farm in Plomer Green Lane, was converted around 20 years ago to create four new homes – but residents at one of the houses planned a two-storey extension as well as a glass link featuring steps down to a new gym and yoga space and an extension to a car port.

While the plans garnered support from some residents, others feared it would ruin the “iconic” view from nearby Downley Common.

The controversial plans were given the go-ahead by the majority of councillors at Wycombe District Council on Wednesday night.

Nick Morgan, a neighbour who spoke against the plans, said there were “fundamental inaccuracies” in the original plans, which were “only corrected when objections were raised by the public”.

He added: “The proposal changes the openness of the farm yard by enclosing the buildings. It will link three sides of the courtyard and will be overshadowed by one very large property. Privacy will be lost for neighbours. The simplicity and beauty of our open driveway will be ruined.

“It sits in a sensitive area. The demands placed on design have not been met and we feel that the proposal is incongruous against the backdrop of an 18th century structure.”

However, Deborah Tom, the applicant, said there was a good reason why the inaccuracies were not corrected sooner.

She said: “I'm going through a diagnosis of cancer and our architects did make some mistakes and they did so because they didn’t want to contact the family and bother us.

“We apologise to our neighbours about those errors and they were corrected as soon as they were pointed out.

“Hughenden Hall has been our family home for 20 years and it’s our intention to make it fit for the next phase of our lives.”