CITY planners have given a Winchester developer permission to demolish a house and build several others in a street that has seen three similar applications granted in as many years.

The city council's planning committee unanimously approved David Freeborn's proposal for two five-bedroom houses and a block of two flats in Chilbolton Avenue.

There is currently one large house with an extensive garden at the site.

It comes after similar applications were granted in February this year (six homes), and July and November 2013 (four homes each).

In February the committee was warned that residents are losing their privacy to overbearing and increasingly intrusive development.

Neighbours Sue and Antonios Antoniou, worried their property would be overlooked, pleaded with councillors on Thursday (May 28) to reject the plans. They also said it would be out of character and mean the loss of an attractive family home.

Cllr Lucille Thompson, ward councillor for St Paul, echoed their concerns. She said: "Should this be approved it will have a lasting impact on the enjoyment of their property.

"This part of the avenue is characterised by detached houses. It's because of the large amount of space between the plots that glimpses of the golf course and countryside can be seen [from the road].

"My main objection is the impact on the neighbouring property."

Both Mr and Mrs Antoniou and Cllr Thompson requested a planning condition which would stop Mr Freeborn from building balconies or verandas on any of the three new buildings. Earlier this month the proposals were changed from normal balconies to Juliet style.

The meeting also heard from Dan Wilden, of Pure Town Planning, on behalf of Mr Freeborn. He said: "Mr Freeborn is a local developer with a passion for high-quality design that he can be proud of.

"I consider this a high-quality local scheme that is fitting in this location."

He also said that Mr Freeborn was recently responsible for a similar development in Chilbolton Avenue which has seen a positive response from residents and the planning authority.

In debate Cllr Therese Evans said: "We cannot really consider this in isolation because so much has changed in Chilbolton Avenue and I think we all regret the loss of those individual charming houses, which this one is."

She added that following a dismissed application and appeal, Mr Freeborn listened to inspectors' advice.

Cllr Robert Johnston said: "Whether we like it or not the character of Chilbolton Avenue has changed over the years. Members of this committee have been described as vandals or destroyers.

"This is a sensitively designed development."

The committee unanimously voted in favour.