PLANNING chiefs have agreed to a development in an affluent part of Winchester despite objections raised by the local residents’ association.

Three three-bed terraced houses will be built on the steep inclines of Quarry Road, in the coveted area of St Giles’ Hill, even though 34 letters of objection were received.

The letters raised a number of issues to do with the five-storey elevation, the amount of glass used within the design and landscaping.

Alan Fosters, of the St Giles Residents’ Association, said the area “was at risk of being seriously compromised” should the development go ahead.

He said: “We have no objections to the site in principal but this seems a five-storey building; the equivalent to St John’s House on The Broadway.

“This is a competent scheme but it’s simply too high and too wide.”

But councillors applauded the unique design and use of landscaping. (See architect's model below.) 

Hampshire Chronicle:

Cllr Ernie Jeffs said: “My main concern is that there’s a monolithic window. However, having now looked at the architect’s drawings and the number of trees I’m quite happy with the building as it stands.”

Councillors addressed the main concern regarding the building’s height and said they were content with the rear elevation which would reach a maximum of three stories.

Cllr Frank Pearson said: “I think it’s quite an exciting design and it’s sunk quite steep into the ground. It will look like a three storey plot. There’s a lot of floor space in a small area.”

Council members voted unanimously in favour of the project.

Chairman Laurence Ruffell said: “It’s so rare that I support something that’s square but I might support this as well.”