ABOUT 40 people crammed into a public meeting to object to plans for the extension of a family home in their neighbourhood.

Residents of Portswood claim that joining the two houses in Blenheim Avenue to create one large house would be out of character with the area.

They also believe that the extended house would impose on neighbouring properties, lead to a loss of privacy and hamper attempts to create a conservation area.

The two houses are owned by one extended family of 20 members.

Graham Beck of Luken Beck Partnership spoke on behalf of the family.

He said: "They are one family and they want to live together. There has been a lot of speculation about what could happen if permission is granted. The brothers have gone around to the neighbours to explain what they want to do with their property."

However, the majority of neighbours are opposed to the plans, which would see front and rear extensions to the building and a large glass atrium added.

The end result would be a triple-storey house with 11 bedrooms and 11 reception rooms.

Amanda Smith, of Westbourne Crescent, said: "I was flabbergasted when I heard how large it was going to be and how close it would come to my property.

"I'll lose my privacy and I just wish the planners had consulted me."

Another neighbour, Fred Wright, said the new house would be out of character in the area. We can't help but wonder who would buy this property if they decided to sell. Unless David Beckham is looking for a new Beckingham Palace this property won't sell."

Ward councillor Jill Baston said: "There is a very grave concern for the maintenance of the character of the area. The extensions will be visible by neighbours and from the common. The surrounding residents care for the area and their own homes and they are already working to the restrictions of a conservation area in the hope they will soon become one."

Members of Southampton City Council's Planning and Rights of Way Panel rejected the application on the grounds that its sheer size and volume was out of character, and that there would be a negative impact on the street scene with the completed building looking more like a hotel than a home.