SIR — Your report (Chronicle, January 28) concerning the decision to allow Redrow Homes to proceed with the controversial 90 home development adjacent to Francis Gardens, failed to draw attention to the fact that this is the first Greenfield Reserve Site to fall to developers.
Despite a spirited defence against the development by Chris Slattery for Hants CPRE and local objectors, the inspector granted permission.
The planners granted Redrow Homes all their wishes, including a total of 90 homes, even though the Local Plan shows 80 homes for the site.
The only reason for the additional access through Francis Gardens is to allow Redrow Homes to increase the number of houses on the site.
A previous inquiry in 2004, where an entrance onto Worthy Road only was discussed, would allow a maximum number of 50 homes.
The only consolation for local residents is that we know now that our area is a most desirable place to live, since so many at the city council, from the chief executive, planners and some councillors, have done nothing to prevent this development from becoming a reality.
M Tombs, Francis Gardens, Winchester.
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