Planners have approved alterations to an Oliver's Battery house, which includes a new bedroom and extensions.

Neighbours had concerns over the proposal for 6 Pine Close as they thought it was out of character and too tall.

Winchester City Council's planning committee approved the scheme.

Objector Andy Bennett, of Oliver's Battery Road South, said: “We support the right to improve a house but our objection is to its extreme nature. 

“It will completely fill the plot, there will be no garden. The height is the biggest issue. It will see a 53 per cent increase. 

“This is more Sandbanks than Oliver's Battery. It will spoil our views and impact the enjoyment of neighbouring properties. It will totally change the nature of the neighbourhood.”

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Oliver's Battery Parish Council clerk Brendan Gibbs said: “This is out of keeping with the rest of the properties in Pine Close. We feel it would be overdevelopment of the plot.”

Applicant Sean Marquis said: “We bought the property recently as our first family home. We have three children, we want to extend it for our needs.”

The committee's chairman Cllr Jane Rutter was impressed with the application. She said: “I can understand surrounding residents wanting to preserve the unique character of the close.

“However, it has significantly changed. The design of this is stylish and innovative. It will add to the architectural interest of the area.”

Cllr Brian Laming, who represents the Badger Farm and Oliver's Battery ward, said: “This is totally out of character and out of keeping for the road.”

Despite this, the committee agreed to approve the plan with six voting for, one against and one abstention.