THE wife of a leading councillor says she knew nothing of his plans to build another house in the garden of their Hampshire home.

Ann Estlin only found out about the scheme when the Daily Echo told her - even though the application had been lodged by her estranged husband in their joint names.

Keith Estlin, pictured inset above, Hampshire County Council's environment and transport boss and former mayor of Fareham, wants permission for a detached house with two car parking spaces in the garden of the Warsash home, which has fabulous views of the River Hamble.

The plan would mean part of the existing house would be demolished to make way for the new development, which would measure nine metres by 3.2 metres.

He moved out of the marital home they had shared for 20 years in September and is believed to be living with a new partner, splitting his time between an address in Hamworthy, near Poole, and a second home in France.

Mrs Estlin, 69, believes the planning bid is an attempt to increase the value of the property, which will be sold as part of the couple's divorce settlement.

She said: "I'd love to stay here, but I don't think I can do that. I can't afford it.

"The application would mean a bit more money for me too, but I would really like things to stay as they are. It's such a lovely place and this would spoil an area of outstanding natural beauty.

"I keep looking at my beautiful home and thinking I'm going to lose it. But if I stay here I'm going to be penniless."

The application has also upset Cllr Estlin's neighbours in Thornton Avenue, who have bombarded Fareham planners with 40 letters and a petition.

Objectors include Warsash Residents' Association and the Fareham Society.

They are complaining that the house would obscure river views from the road and would constitute overdevelopment of the area.

A similar application for the home, which lies in an area designated as a coastal zone and as an area of special residential character, was refused in 1989 and dismissed on appeal a year later.

Warsash Residents' Association chairman Ken Prangnell said: "It would just look like it has been squashed in between houses where it just doesn't fit. It's a case of pushing something in which is totally inappropriate."

Cllr Estlin, also 69, who represents Fareham Western Wards, could not be reached at his office and a Hampshire County Council spokesman said there was no alternative means of contacting him.

The council refused to comment further.

As a county councillor, Cllr Estlin claims a £10,963 a year basic allowance plus an extra £15,875 annually for holding a Cabinet position.

He has already confirmed he will not be defending his seat at the county council elections in May.

He married Ann, a friend of his first wife Joan, 27 years ago, after both their partners died.