Former Saints star Mick Channon has launched an appeal to transform his stud farm in the Hampshire countryside into one of the best in the country..

The renowned racehorse trainer wants to build a luxury house on the site at West Tytherley, near Romsey, which would be a home for the stud farm manager.

His plans for Norman Court Stud, which he bought in 2003, looked to have fallen at the final hurdle when Test Valley Borough Council's planning committee showed them the red card.

However, the former footballer has now appealed to a Government planning inspector against the decision to refuse planning permission, with an inquiry due later in the year.

In documentation supporting his application, Mr Channon's agents say that the future of the stud, which has existed since the 1920s, is dependent on the overhaul.

When the plans were referred to the planning committee, members agreed with their officers that the plans were still too excessive and refused permission.