Oxford councillor Mary Clarkson, below, breathed a sigh of relief after fellow councillors agreed she could rebuild an old farmhouse as her family home, writes Andrew Ffrench.

The mother-of-three, who represents the Marston ward, submitted a planning application to renovate Lower Farm in Dunstan Road, Headington.

The late 18th century building is Grade II listed and the council's conservation officer Nick Worlledge had recommended that listed building consent and planning permission for a number of changes should be refused.

But the planning committee overruled him yesterday and the Government Office for the South East will now be asked to rubber-stamp the changes.

Cllr Clarkson, who is a member of the Labour group, sat out the debate and allowed her husband, barrister Michael Tappin, to do the talking.

He persuaded councillors that as the building was no longer being used as a farmhouse, his family should be able to convert it into a modern home.

Afterwards, Cllr Clarkson said: "I'm pleased that we have been allowed to make these changes.

"Nick had to make a professional judgement and I've got absolutely no problem with the way this was dealt with."

Cllr Clarkson is adding new dormer windows and roof lights, replacing windows, moving the front door and building a new staircase.