They had expressed strong opposition to proposals for a four-storey building to create 12 two-bedroomed apartments, with balconies and a flat roof, at the junction of Leek Road and Macclesfield Old Road.

Members of High Peak Borough Council's Development Control Committee had refused the application by Duffy Macclesfield Ltd, in September, because its form, design and materials would not be sympathetic, and because the prominent location of the site the development would detract from the character and appearance of the area.

The applicant appealed against the decision but Planning Inspector Dannie Onn has dismissed it.

He said: "The scale, density, and proportions of the proposed development would not be sympathetic to the character of the area and would harm the visual qualities of the locality.

"The design would not reflect its setting or local distinctiveness."

The proposed materials for the development, which included glass, render, wood and artificial stone, were among the grounds on which residents had objected.

However Mr Onn said: "I share the Council's concern over the use of artificial stone in an area dominated by natural gritstone. That apart, the proposed materials would not be out of place amongst the varied housing nearby.

"Further, I do not consider that a contemporary approach would be wrong for the site. Nevertheless, the way that materials are used in this case contributes to the unsympathetic detail of the proposed building and the contemporary styling emphasises the incongruous scale and proportions."

The report also stated that the density of homes on the site was high.

Mr Onn said: " A more modest solution respecting the proportions of existing buildings nearby and allowing a kinder environment to future occupants would also be an efficient use of the land whilst still providing the opportunity for a landmark development on this prominent site."