A homeowner has been ordered to remove two air conditioning units as they were deemed to be too "obtrusive".

The owner of a property in Batchworth Heath Conservation Area, near Rickmansworth, had installed the air conditioning units without planning permission.

They were given an enforcement notice after Three Rivers District Council received a complaint and investigated. The council said the units were obtrusive and failed to preserve "the character or appearance of the Batchworth Heath Conservation Area".

The owner appealed the decision but the Planning Inspectorate dismissed the appeal.

The air conditioning units will have to be removed within two months of the appeal decision.

Council leader Cllr Sara Bedford said: "This is a prime example where an owner has tried to sidestep the planning process and undertake unacceptable works.

"If left unenforced by the council, this would have led to the gradual deterioration of the character of the Batchworth Heath Conservation Area, one of many special areas within Three Rivers.

"Owners need to check which works require planning permission by asking the council's planning department who provide a free duty planner service for household developments."