A MOTHER-of-two is one step closer to getting permission for an extension which she says will improve her quality of life.

After months of negotiation, Winchester City Council planning chiefs deferred a decision on an extension to Tiffany Llewelyn's grade II listed cottage and said they will make a site visit first.

At the committee meeting on Thursday there was much debate about the size of a proposed dormer window at her home, in Micheldever.

Planning officers recommended rejection.

But the council has received 41 letters of support from local residents, and no objections, and ward councillors Barry Lipscomb and Stephen Godfrey said that should be taken into account.

Cllr Lipscomb said: "Micheldever is not known for not standing up for the beauty of the village, they can be extremely critical of anything they fear may damage things. This is not the case here."

Rupert Gratrix spoke on behalf of Ms Llewelyn. He said: "It desperately needs investment to bring it up to standard. I'm a single mother with two children and our quality of life is compromised by the property.

"I have been overwhelmed by the outstanding local support."

Councillors will visit the cottage, in Northbrook, on November 25.