PLANS to upgrade a listed building and rebuild its garage have been refused by Winchester planning chiefs.

Erin and Jamie Brookes were seeking permission to alter their Cripstead Lane property, The Old Farmhouse. They had asked to make a number of changes to the main property, which were supported at a Winchester City Council planning committee on December 18.

But questions were asked of the proposed new garage. The application had received 10 objections on these grounds.

Clive Urwin, who spoke at the meeting, said the new building would be "out of character" for the area.

He added: "The existing garage should not be demolished. It compliments the listed building and surrounding area.

"Risk of collapse claimed by the applicants is not evident. Should they really be replacing the beautifully matched materials of the garage with wooden panels of a temporary feel? "It's a good design, maybe, but the new garage is out of place in this unique conservation area."

Ward councillor Fiona Mather said the balcony on the the rebuild would overlook surrounding properties, meaning "a loss of amenity for neighbours".

Committee members asked applicant Jamie Brookes whether he would consider removing the garage from his application and seek permission for it separately in the near future.

He replied: "We are a young family and moved into the property two years ago. The garage is a significant party of the redevelopment.

"The Old Farmhouse's history is peppered with updates throughout. We would be giving it potential to flourish over the next 40 years."

Chairman Therese Evans and Cllr Clear were the only two councillors to support the application. The other seven voted against it.