A planned new cloister for the Norman church of St Thomas of Canterbury, in Goring, looks like an airport terminal or a hospital connecting corridor, it has been claimed.

Objector Eric Trent, of Yew Tree Court, told South Oxfordshire District Council's western area planning committee he thought the timber and glass extension was inappropriate on a 1,000-year-old listed building.

But his plea that the plans should be refused was unsuccessful.

Planning officer Karen Gould said: "The oak posts and pitched roof is reminiscent of the nunnery cloister that once stood there."

Council leader Ann Ducker said there were no good planning reasons for refusing the extension.

Patrick Greene said: "It is just another step in the church's history. There have been additions and changes before and it will give much needed facilities."