A DISPUTE over the use of a garden shed has divided a quiet cul-de-sac in Alresford.

Winchester City Council has sent in planning investigators to find out whether Charles Miller is using the structure to run his insurance business.

Mr Miller, 42, claims that the shed at his home in Lindley Gardens is purely for family use and has nothing to do with his business interests in insurance and loss assessing.

But Rodney Sabine, chairman of the council's planning committee, told members: "This is a masterpiece of 'shedology', or even kidology. It is quite an unusual shed. It has double-glazing, plastered internal walls, tiled floor, electricity and office furniture. It is blindingly obvious what it is, but we can't say so."

The committee gave Mr Miller retrospective permission for the shed, with the strict condition that it must not be used for business.

Mr Miller claimed he was being victimised by the council and neighbours.

He said: "The city council has had me in its sights for the last four years. Its attitude is like a sledgehammer to crack a nut. If it persists and I have to move to commercial premises I will make the staff redundant. The side of the business that employs the staff is barely profitable."

Sandra James, of Lindley Gardens, said: "I don't object to a garden shed.

"Everyone is entitled to have a shed. But I am worried he is going to turn it into an office, which I don't think is suitable."