A woman in Buckinghamshire cannot demolish parts of a mansion, planning officers have said.

Mrs Brigid Taylor was refused permission for her proposals to create a basement at Elibank House in Rectory Road, Taplow.

Her plans also included demolishing the east and west wing extensions and conservatory at the property, as well as excavation works, single-storey side extensions and internal and external changes.

But planners took issue with the changes to some of the historical features of the grade II listed two-storey property, some of which dates to the 18th century.

In a decision notice, they wrote: “The proposed development, by virtue of the works to the listed building (Elibank House), would not preserve the architectural and historic interest of this listed building.

“It is established that the proposed alterations would result in a less than substantial harm to the significance of the heritage asset.”

Officers also said the applicant had provided insufficient information in an ecological impact assessment for ‘red impact risk zone’ for great crested newts, a protected species.

The applicant said that some of the changes proposed were relatively minor such as the replacement of internal doors.

Plans read: “Most of the interior works are simple and relatively un-intrusive to the majority of the historic fabric.

“Much of the proposed alterations relate to reworking of areas, fixtures, and fittings that have been altered and introduced into the house over the last 50 years.”