PLANNERS have rejected strong opposition from villagers to allow a modern extension to a mock-Tudor house in Sparsholt.

Jon Walthoe, a senior investment banker, bought Home Lane Cottage last year and has made several amendments after consulting villagers.

The latest scheme was supported by planning officers but attracted 13 objections including the parish council. Its chairman Sue Wood said the officers had "dismissed" the Village Design Statement which is supposed to guide development.

Mrs Wood told the committee: "We feel our points are being ignored by planning officers. We object because the extension is out of keeping with the main house. It is bold and contemporary which cannot mean it is sympathy with the house."

Mr Walthoe, vice-president of Barclays Investment Bank, told the committee: "We saw Home Lane Cottage last year and fell in love with the building, the village and the surrounding area.

"We are devastated to find ourselves in this position having made great efforts to meet the requirements (of the villagers). We feel we have everything we can to meet the requirements of the conservation and planning officers.

"It is a modern extension but we feel a good one."

Sean Quigley, planning officer, said the extension would only be glimpsed from the public highways because Home Lane is sunken and tree-lined.

He denied the village design statement was being ignored and that it been given due weight.

Cllr Frank Pearson said: "The extension is not a carbuncle on the building. I don't fully understand why the parish council is against it."

Councillors voted by seven votes to two to approve the application.

The cottage was built in 1902 in a Tudor-style and the extension will also use similar materials including brick and trimber