Owen appeals after plans rejected

Owen and his wife Louise have big plans for their home

Soccer star Michael Owen has appealed to the Welsh Assembly Government after Flintshire councillors rejected plans to extend his £5m home.

The England and Newcastle striker wants a £250,000 extension to the gatehouse in the grounds of Lower Soughton Hall estate, near Mold.

But Flintshire County Council claim the plans could have an "adverse impact" on the listed building.

Owen's appeal will now be considered by the Planning Inspectorate of Wales.

The Grade-II listed lodge was designed by renowned Victorian architect John Douglas - responsible for many of Chester's notable designs - in 1868.

Owen and his wife Louise put forward their application to develop it last November, and plans included a two-storey extension with a double garage.

They want to house staff in the building which is set back around 50 yards from the main Northop to Mold Road, and has been empty for several years.

But the council claims the plans would have an "adverse impact on the character and former origins of the lodge," which was designed in a Tudor Gothic style.

Owen wants to add to his £5m home

The appeal was submitted by Yorkshire-based architects and designers Bramhall Blenkharn.

Mark Bramhall said: "The property is a lodge within the grounds of the Hall.

"The Owens have put in an application for this before, which was rejected on what we believe was subjective grounds."

He added: "The building is not in good condition at the moment and the family wanted this modest extension to put the building to new use.

"It was built 150 years ago and its completely unsuitable for modern use."

A spokeswoman for the assembly government confirmed they had received an appeal. It will now be looked at by the Planning Inspectorate of Wales.

A spokesman for Flintshire County Council confirmed: "We have received an appeal from Mr Owen against the Council's decision to refuse listed building consent and planning permission for a two storey extension and erection of a detached double garage.

"The appeal will be dealt with by way of written representation."

If the footballer's appeal is unsuccessful, he could then take the matter to the High Court.

When Owen bought the 17th Century manor house, which has two cottages, two flats, and stables in its extensive grounds, it had eight bedrooms and four bathrooms.

He has since made a number of additions, including a leisure area and a swimming pool.