A YOUNG family has been allowed to extend their home, with the support of city councillors going against council policy.

The approval snubs planning officers' advice regarding extensions to smaller homes in the countryside.

The Cutler family, of Bishop's Sutton, applied to add a side and rear extension to their home on Northside Lane.

The city council planning committee heard that the plan would enlarge the house from a two-bed to a three-bed and so break council rules about preserving smaller homes in the countryside. The policy aims to retain smaller homes in rural areas to help younger people onto the housing ladder.

READ MORE HERE: Independent cafe set to close

Councillors rejected their officers' recommendation and instead allowed the extension which will help the family stay local.

The planning committee heard the Cutler family has one child but hope to have another so will need the extra bedroom.

Their plan had support. Dave Quirk, of Bighton Parish Council, said locals would like the family to be able to stay in the village.

Cllr Margot Power, who represents nearby Alresford, said the current council policy does not preserve affordable homes in the countryside. Smaller homes were soaring in value and being bought by retired people. The Cutler house was already "a family unit and we need children in the countryside", said Cllr Power.

But committee chairman Therese Evans said: "Unless we protect smaller houses in the countryside we are going to lose them. It is a smaller house, affordable, and we have a policy to protect that. What is the point of having a policy if we say in this instance it's all right? We spent a long time establishing our policy and they are there for a reason.

"I will be disappointed if the committee gives permission; it's against our policy."

SEE MORE: Work starts on new council houses in village

Cllr Frank Pearson said the policy of retaining smaller houses in the countryside was getting outdated, as prices spiral. He said the most affordable house in his village of Swanmore was nearly £400,000. "The reality is that we are not building enough two-bedroom houses. We can't build enough council houses as quickly and as cheaply as we want."

Cllr Brian Laming said: "This home still falls within a small property. It is important we keep villages alive with children, Without young people villages will die."

The committee voted to go against officers' advice and allow the extension by seven votes to one, with one extension. Cllr Evans voted against and Cllr Russell Gordon-Smith abstained.

It was announced that the next planning meeting on April 19 will be Cllr Evans last meeting. She has served on the committee since the 1990s.