The former Manchester United manager objected “in the strongest terms” to plans for the new property in Wilmslow, Cheshire.

Neighbours Peter and Josephine Wilson had submitted plans to demolish their two-storey home and replace it with a larger property. The couple is selling their house and interested parties want permission for the plans before buying.

The application was refused by Cheshire East Council but revised plans have been given the green light.

A planning report said: “There would be no undue loss of light or overbearing effect on nearby residential properties.

“The proposed development would be of an appropriate scale, allowing it to comfortably fit in to the site and wider street scene.”

The revised plans for the house, which were submitted in February, reduced its proposed height.