DOZENS of objections has not prevented councillors from approving a house extension in a village near Bishop's Waltham.

David Chesters applied to enlarge Fir Cottage, Well Lane, Upper Swanmore, and convert an outbuilding into an annexe for his father.

The plan sparked 58 objections from 36 households, including the parish council, with many saying it was unsympathetic to the landscape, overbearing and out of character.

Objector and neighbour Terry Stevens told the planning committee said it broke the Village Design Statement and also increased the size of the property by 81 per cent.

Also addressing the committee, Mr Chesters said he had made changes in response to the feedback from neighbours and the parish council.

The planning committee approved the application unanimously, following the recommendation of their planning officers.