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Ole scores yet again

30/ 4/2008

AFTER suffering defeat in the first leg last year when Macclesfield planners rejected his new eco-mansion, former Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, pictured, has bagged a late winner in the replay to get the rebuild green light.

In a scene similar to that of the Red Devils’ Camp Nou overhaul of Bayern Munich in 1999, the baby-faced assassin has scored with Macclesfield Borough Council to build his dream home.

After snapping up a £1.8million mansion on Bradford Lane, Nether Alderley, last year, the Norwegian, now on the Old Trafford coaching staff, put in an application to demolish the current 1930s house to make way for his new pad. This sparked anger amongst neighbours, including Nether Alderley Parish Council – but after the initial rejection planners have rubber-stamped his request.

The Norwegian wants to build a Scandinavian-style home, including a games room, with an option to add a detached swimming pool. The house will use solar power and ground source heat pumps, "low volume flush systems" on the toilets and heavy natural insulation.

Macclesfield council approved his scheme, but imposed several restrictions – including the condition it can not be lit up at night. Most of the house must be built from local Cheshire brick and any rendering work must be white.

If Solskjaer, 34, wants to change the colour, he must apply for permission. News of Solskjaer's victory is a blow to residents in the "footballers’ belt".

A planned parish poll demanding the end to such redevelopments in neighbouring Alderley Edge was postponed because of the cost to the taxpayer.

Wayne Rooney’s new mansion and Michael Carrick’s decision to level an old house and rebuild on the same site have sparked calls for an end to schemes such as this.

Cricketer Andrew Flintoff withdrew plans to expand his home in nearby Mottram St Andrew after claims it was too big.

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