A HEREFORD homeowner has criticised the council for not doing more to talk to her before a nine-metre school extension was built that ruined her privacy.

Angela Marafono, 74, said the towering extension at Marlbrook Primary School in Green Croft, Hereford, means she now has classrooms of children looking in through her bedroom window, as well as downstairs too.

She said she wasn’t aware of the plans when Herefordshire Council applied for planning permission, meaning she did not submit her thoughts to planners.

But now she fears the value of her house will have fallen, with some of the houses in Honddu Close having previously had pleasing views of the Black Mountains.

Ledbury Reporter: Angela Marafono says you can see into her house from the new school building, Picture: Rob DaviesAngela Marafono says you can see into her house from the new school building, Picture: Rob Davies

She thinks a row of trees could restore some of her lost privacy, with her back garden also overlooked by the nine-metre tall extension.

“The school was there before. I’ve been up here 40 years, but the school was further over,” Mrs Marafono said.

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“I bought the house and I knew there was a school there, but if I go to sell my property now, and I might be as I’m getting older, I won’t get the money for my house.

“They look straight in from the school.”

Ledbury Reporter: The school building also overlooks her back garden. Picture: Rob DaviesThe school building also overlooks her back garden. Picture: Rob Davies

Neighbours Darren Ellis and Chris Losada share Mrs Marafono’s concerns, but admit her house was the worst affected.

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Herefordshire Council said planning notices were put in streets near the school, and residents had the chance to attend the committee meeting.

The council also said it was working with residents to reach a “mutually agreed resolution” over privacy concerns.

The spokesperson said landscaping work was under way at the school, and anyone with privacy concerns should get in touch.