Building bid snub for Owen.

Byline: By TOM WELLS

MICHAEL Owen has lost a fight to build a pounds 250,000 extension at his Victorian mansion.

The crocked football star had wanted permission to build staff quarters at a gatehouse designed by celebrated Victorian architect John Douglas.

But local councillors decided the large structure would destroy the character of the listed 1868 building.

The Newcastle United striker, out with a knee injury from the World Cup in Germany, appealed to the Welsh Assembly.

But its inspector also ruled the project "harmful". The decision added: "There is scope for a sensitive, modest extension."

Dr Dale Dishon, a senior adviser to the Victorian Society, said the size of Owen's building was "alarming" and would destroy the look of the "small and perfectly scaled gatehouse".

Owen, 26, bought Lower Soughton Hall at North-rop, Flintshire, in 2001 for pounds 1.5million and spent pounds 2million on additions including a pool and gym.

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