Proposals to extend a BBC reporter’s historic family home have been refused by planning chiefs.

Jonathan Ali's brother Richard submitted plans for two-storey side and rear extensions at 18th century Bramley Fold Farm, in Tottington, in a bid to keep their extended family living together.

They brothers’ elderly parents are disabled, as is Jonathan who underwent extensive surgery and months of chemotherapy after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer two years ago.

The pair said the revised plans which include seven bathrooms, three lounges as well as various ancillary rooms – were essential for the large family to remain living under one roof.

But seven of nine committee members voted to refuse the application in line with the officer’s report, which said those considerations did not outweigh the harm which would be caused to the greenbelt.

Cllr Cummings told the committee he could not support the application.

He said: "The heritage value is fairly significant in the area. What they're proposing is to put modern boxes at the back of the house that would change the very nature of the house all together and destroy the heritage completely, I can't see how we could accept that."

His Labour colleague, Cllr Jamie Walker, agreed, telling the meeting he found the application "very concerning" adding :"To me it does promote a big loss of green belt in that area."

And the Liberal Democrat's Cllr Mary D'Albert said she was sympathetic to the needs of disabled family members, but questioned whether such a large extension of the property was necessary.

However, two Conservative members voted in favour of the proposals.

Cllr Jackie Harris said: "I feel we can have modern extensions to what is a very interesting old building. I don't feel it's unsympathetic at all. I don't have a problem with it, but obviously the conservation officer disagrees.

Cllr Yvonne Wright was supportive of the application.

She said: "I don't believe it will have a negative impact on the other buildings at the rear, because it can't be seen from the other buildings.

"I believe extra special circumstances due to the some of the family being disabled. I know that's not a material concern, but I think sometimes we have to think outside the box."

An application to make alterations to an existing shed at the site were unanimously approved.