ENGLAND’S former number-one tennis star Tim Henman has won planning permission to demolish a cottage to build an annexe to his home with guest accommodation and a gym.

Mr Henman, who lives in Aston Tirrold near Didcot, attended the South Oxfordshire District Council planning committee meeting on Wednesday, August 17, when permission was granted despite objections from Aston Tirrold Parish Council. He now has the go-ahead to knock down Filberts Cottage in the grounds of his mid-18th century Grade II listed home Filberts.

The parish council had objected to the plans raising concerns over the demolition of “an older established dwelling, which will impact on the historic street scene”.

But head of planning Adrian Duffield said: “The development lies within the well defined confines of the built-up part of Aston Tirrold and there is no objection to the development.

“The scale and design of the development is sympathetic to the character and appearance of the conservation area and the setting of surrounding listed buildings and the scheme is otherwise generally in accordance with development plan policies.”