Doncaster Council has been asked to approve a scheme which would see a "generous rear garden" dug up and used for the new homes, leaving some neighbours furious.

Objectors have been backed by their parish council, which says that the flats are "out of character with the surrounding area and the density of the development is too high."

But planners have recommended approval for building on the site in Park Avenue, Sprotbrough, ignoring concerns voiced by one of their own staff who scrutinises planning applications.

In a report to Doncaster Council's planning committee, its urban design officer echoes the parish council's objections and adds that "the apartment blocks will be higher than the existing host property."

Worries are also raised about the access road to the new properties which "appears too wide for its purpose" and the loss of the garden, which is a "key characteristic" of neighbouring properties.

These points have been supported in more than 30 letters which have been written by villagers to the council objecting to the development, and neighbours have also raised other problems with the site.

Some people fear the project is the "first stage in a much larger development" while others are concerned that the development will "have an impact on school capacity in the area."

Traffic congestion, overlooking from the apartments, impact on a woodland and wildlife and the effect of the development on the character of the area are also on the list of worries.

According to plans submitted to the council, the site to be built on is around 0.47 hectares (1.2 acres) and at present is described as an "open, grassed garden, interspersed with a small number of fruit and ornamental trees".

A similar application was submitted and then withdrawn in April this year, but if permission is given this time, the area will be used for three-storey detached houses and a three storey block of apartments.

A shared parking area providing 13 spaces will be provided for residents. Developers say they will use local materials and ensure that 10 per cent of energy used on site will be from renewable sources.

In a summary to be provided to planning councillors, officers say: "Although the density of the development is higher than that of the immediate surroundings it is considered on balance that the application is acceptable.

"It would not be significantly detrimental to the character of the area and makes efficient use of land. The scheme has been designed to minimise any loss of amenity to surrounding properties.

"There will be no adverse impact on any trees on site and there is no significant ecology on site that needs to be protected. There will be no significant impact on the highway network and the site is well served by public transport."

Members of Doncaster Council's planning committee will discuss the application when it meets at the Mansion House at 2pm on Tuesday next week.