A SENIOR councillor has had his controversial scheme to build another house in the garden of his estranged wife's home thrown out by planners.

Councillor Keith Estlin, county council environment and transport boss, was at the meeting to hear the fate of his plans for the Warsash home he owns with his wife Ann.

Members of Fareham's planning committee voted unanimously to refuse the outline application to demolish part of the home, which enjoys fabulous views over the River Hamble, and build a second detached house and two parking spaces in the grounds.

As previously reported, the Daily Echo understands the application was a bid to increase the value of the marital home, in Thornton Avenue, which is expected to be sold as part of the divorce settlement.

Mrs Estlin, who still lives in the house, was only told about Cllr Estlin's plans for the house, submitted in joint names, during a meeting with solicitors to finalise financial arrangements in January.

Speaking after the decision, she said: "I'm glad the house is going to remain as it is. It would have been terrible to have done that to it."

Cllr Estlin, a former Fareham mayor, told the Daily Echo he would not comment on personal matters.

Residents bombarded Fareham planners with 40 letters and a petition. Objectors including Warsash Residents' Association and the Fareham Society have complained that the house would obscure river views from the road and would constitute overdevelopment of the area, squeezing a home in where it does not fit.

Councillor Arthur Mandry said: "It is essential special sites like this are protected. They say a lot for the character of the area. It would close the visual gap and ruin the appearance from the sea and the land."

Next-door neighbour Chris Norbury said: "Clearly this is infilling and would certainly result in a cramped appearance.

"This is an attractive place to live - don't let's spoil it."

Another neighbour, Colin Brookes, added: "I can't see how this will improve things. It will spoil the view and not enhance the area."

The site lies in an area designated as a coastal zone and an area of special residential character.

Addressing the committee, Cllr Estlin had argued there was adequate land for two houses.

"There is an overwhelming case to grant outline planning permission in line with government policy. The proposal should be subjected to total scrutiny at the full planning stage," he said.

A previous application for a second house in the plot was refused in 1989 and dismissed on appeal a year later.