KENNET District Council will not take action over the latest planning blunder on the jinxed former Portman Building Society site in Marlborough, which means the replacement building will stand two feet higher than intended.

The Council for Protection of Rural England is concerned that the building's higher roofline will impact on neighbouring properties.

The original steelwork for the building, which developers Crosby Homes are transforming into a Dorothy Perkins store on the ground floor and two penthouse flats above, was found to be insubtantial and had to be replaced after a blunder by structural engineers.

But on Monday, Coun Graham Francis told the town council planning committee that the new steel framework is almost two feet higher than shown on the original plans approved by Kennet.

Yesterday Kennet confirmed the rumour, but said it would be taking no action. Spokesman Diana Ralls said the change in height had been brought about by the need to use stronger steelwork. "It has been noted as a minor amendment. It would be very difficult to spot the difference and the design remains unchanged. We do not consider it would be fair or appropriate to request a fresh planning application for such a minor change," she said.

John Kirkman, of the CPRE, said that he thought the town council should seek independent advice on the visual impact of the frontage.

Crosby Homes had not commented by the time of publication.