Grade II-listed Lower Soughton Hall is home to Owen and his family

The application by the Liverpool and England player was refused by Flintshire Council.

Owen wanted to build the extension at the Grade II-listed mansion to house his collection of cars, snooker and table tennis tables.

The 24-year-old striker has already spent more than �500,000 on home improvements - including a swimming pavilion and a stable block.

Twelve councillors voted against the proposals at Lower Soughton Hall, in Northop.

But six councillors voted in favour of the 24-year-old striker's plans.

Owen's plans had involved the construction of a three-storey building measuring 45ft by 20ft, linked to his home by a corridor.

Liverpool striker Owen wants to build a garage and games room

The building would have had room for three cars under cover with a parking court in front.

The top storey would have housed a games rooms.

Lower Soughton Hall dates back to the Elizabethan period but was largely re-built in 1865.

In a report presented to councillors, Flintshire planning officers have said the scale and style of the new building would be out of keeping with the original Victorian architecture.

'Historic character'

"The main land use issue concerns the impact of the development on the architectural and historic interest of Lower Soughton Hall," said the report to Flintshire councillors.

The report says garage building and enclosed courtyard would "have an unacceptable, adverse impact on the historic character and appearance of the hall and its historic landscaped setting."

However, Flintshire County Councillor Mel Higham said the footballer's application should not have been refused.

"I do feel for Mr Owen and his family, they do need privacy, they do need security around their family home.

"Michael has made a commitment to this area and I feel that if he is to bring his family up in the area we need to support him aswell."

Owen lives at Lower Soughton Hall with girlfriend Louise Bonsall and their baby daughter Gemma.

On Sunday, Ms Bonsall, 23, was involved in an accident in the grounds of the mansion, when she fell from a horse and fractured her pelvis.

She was taken to hospital in Chester immediately after the accident.

Owen's agent said Ms Bonsall fell after her horse reared.

"Louise was riding her horse in the grounds of her home when she fell off," he said.

"It seems the horse reared. Louise has a fractured pelvis."