Sir Alex Ferguson battling with neighbours over plans to build three-storey mansion near Man Utd legend’s Cheshire home

SIR Alex Ferguson is "strongly objecting" to his neighbour's plans to build a three-storey mansion near his home.

The football legend is unhappy with the proposal for the new property which he claims is too big and poorly designed.

The 77-year-old former Manchester United manager lives in a £2.3million house in Cheshire, with his wife Cathy.

His neighbours have submitted proposals to demolish their existing two-storey home and replace it with a larger property.

The couple are selling their house and interested parties have indicated they want permission for the plans before making the purchase.

The proposal is for a six bedroom, 10,000 sq ft home to replace the current five bedroom, 3,500 sq ft one.

'OUT OF KEEPING WITH LOCALITY'

Ferguson has lodged an objection to the planning application which says the property would be near to his land and out of keeping with others on the street.

A statement submitted by Ferguson's solicitors to Cheshire East Council states: "Our client objects in the strongest terms to the grant of planning permission.

"The proposed scale of the new dwelling house and, in particular, the addition of a third storey is inappropriate and out of keeping with the prevailing scale and pattern of development in the locality.

"The proposed development would entail a significant reduction in the established separation distance between the dwelling house on the site and the side boundaries of the plot, to as little as one metre.

"This is out of keeping with the prevailing layout of plots in the area which feature more generous separation distances of four to 30 metres.

"This generous separation distance and the open space to the sides of the buildings is a key element of the character of this designated low density housing area."

CONSTRUCTION CAUSES FLOODING

It adds: "The application represents a poor design, overdevelopment of the site. The application should be refused accordingly.";

Ferguson's representation also pointed out the street is prone to surface water flooding during construction projects.

In a submission to the council, agents representing the couple seeking the planning permission said it was "common" for new build replacement dwellings to be constructed in the area.

They added: "The owners are selling their house. There has been interest in the property with regards to demolishing the existing property and rebuilding a larger dwelling.

"Sizes of around 10000sqft are the median size discussed by interested parties

"These parties require the security of knowing that a larger dwelling of this size will have planning permission."

Planning officials at the local authority are due to make a decision on the application in due course.

Glasgow-born Ferguson retired from the Old Trafford hot seat in May, 2013, after 27 years at the helm.

He had emergency treatment on a brain haemorrhage in May 2018, and spent several days in intensive care at Salford Royal Hospital, near Manchester.

Earlier this year he raised £400,000 for the NHS as a thank you for the care he received during his health scare.