A second storey has been proposed for the rearmost unit at 61 Moulder Street, however Dr Ian Carter at neighbouring 29 Hill Street addressed Orange City Council on Tuesday night to oppose it, saying it would overlook the park-like backyard of his 1915 home.

“People move to Orange for this unique heritage-type homes to have space,” he said.

“It is really trying to take in the views of my property and use my trees and not contribute.”

Dr Carter said he recognised people wanted two-storey homes.

“But it’s unique that a home right at the rear of the acreage wants to build a second-storey home overlooking many private backyards, myself included,” he said.

“I don’t wish for people to be deprived of their space but I would imagine if you wanted to build a bigger surface area home, you would choose a different location.”

Sally Sutherland from Source Architects, who designed the extension, said the second storey did not take up the whole building footprint and was set on the opposite side to Dr Carter’s boundary.

She told councillors the windows’ focus was to the north rather than east to Hill Street.

“We feel that we’ve done everything we can to keep in mind the neighbouring properties,” she said.

The plans were recommended for approval, however councillor Russell Turner heeded Dr Carter’s request for a site inspection given four councillors were absent.