The Reading-born presenter of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire has submitted plans to increase the size of his £1.4m country pile by more than half again.

The 67-year-old former DJ wants to add a small cloakroom, snug, utility room, en suite bathroom and two further bedrooms to the seven-bed mansion, taking it to double the size it was when he bought it for £1.02  million in 2004.

The secluded house, located outside Upper Bucklebury, sits in a 1.5 acre clearing surrounded by beautiful woodland.

Commenting on the application, Bucklebury Parish Council wrote: “Whilst this application increases the size of the dwelling beyond 50%, the alterations cannot be seen from any public Right of Way or anywhere external to the curtilage of the property. Whilst the cottage is old, it is not listed and has seen a significant amount of change over the years making it difficult if not impossible to identify the original build. “The impact would therefore be insignificant.”

The council met on Monday last week and registered no objections to the plans, which will now go before West Berkshire Council’s planning committee.

Mr Tarrant’s architect, Wilde Spooner Raleigh, said the extension will make the house “more efficient without harming the intrinsic charm of the building”.

The firm added: “The detailed design of the proposal is appropriate, proportionate and functionally effective to enhance the character and setting of the immediate locality.”

A spokesman for the star added: “Chris has always been sympathetic to people in the area. The house stands in its own grounds far from neighbours and I would say the vote by the council speaks volumes.”