PLANS to extend a family home in Winchester have been refused.

Robert Kerr had been seeking permission to build a single storey extension at 19 Clausentum Road.

But the plans were thrown out at a city council planning committee on June 18.

"We have lived here since 2013 and when we moved in the property was largely derelict," said Mr Kerr. "Since then we have restored it and had three children here."

"We are an active part of the neighbourhood and we wish to remain that way, but are simply running out of room.

"Something we are very concious about is the conservation status and have kept in line with it ever since starting work. These plans will only impact those living behind us, and they are all happy for us to proceed."

Mr Kerr already has permission to extend the house. The new application discussed at the meeting included a larger dormer.

The committee, made up of nine councillors, decided this would be too intrusive to the character of the area.

Cllr Jane Rutter said: "I completely understand the need to maximise space. But we do have very strict rules and this kind of development can be a very dominant feature of a roofline.

"It comes to a point when extensions are just too big, and I'm afraid this is exactly that."

No public objections had been made but case officer Cameron Taylor advised the committee to refuse the plans.

The final vote saw seven councillors refuse, and two approve including Cllr Michael Read.

He said: "St Faiths Road is equally in the conservation area and many of these properties have similar extensions.

"I cannot support the officer's recommendation – it just doesn't seem fair."