WINCHESTER'S only Michelin Star restaurant has been given permission to expand.

Owner of the Black Rat, David Nicholson, submitted plans for a two storey rear extension to house more diners and a modern kitchen. At a city council planning committee meeting on December 18, the plans were unanimously approved.

Mr Nicholson's agent, Huw Thomas, said the restaurant has gone from strength to strength since it opened 11 years ago.

He added: "The Black Rat's story is that of typical English eccentric. The business expands every time he (Mr Nicholson) does something new.

"He has the only Michelin Star restaurant in the city, which has a lot of restaurants, so he has done incredibly well to come this far. This expansion is needed to get further."

The application did not receive any objections from the public, but did from Winchester City Council's Historic Environment Department. A statement said: "The extension would be visually complex in their built form in contrast to the simple form of the listed building and would be visually dominant, particularly from Wharf Hill, as it fails to follow both the natural ground levels in the area and the established hierarchy of the component parts of the listed building.

"As such it would appear alien and incongruous resulting in harm to the significance and historic appearance of the Black Rat and the character and appearance of the surrounding conservation area."

However, this was disputed by a number of committee members, including Cllr Patrick Cunningham.

He said: "I think it's a vast improvement to the area and I applaud the creativity of the owner and architect. It will enhance the area and restaurant trade in the city."

Cllr Mike Read suggested the colour of the extension should be changed. He said it could "stick out like a sore thumb" if white material is used.

Council planning officers will now work with Mr Nicholson to agree on materials – a condition established at the end of the committee debate.