IT was "shame, shame, shame" when civic chiefs agreed to develop next to an ancient monument in Winchester, residents claimed.

Councillors approved 11 new homes in Kingsgate Street at Wellington House. The project will demolish a 1960s building sitting astride Kingsgate.

Around 26 letters of objection were received from neighbours citing issues around traffic generation, problems with visibility and pressure on of-street parking at the site of Wellington House.

But despite the numerous complaints from residents how extra cars would add to the already very narrow roads, councillors voted six to two in favour of Winchester College's application.

Their vote was met with shouts of "shame on you!" and "you've done it again" from the residents during their exodus from the meeting last week.

Cllr David McClean earlier asked Martin Holmes of the Residents' Association: "Do you accept that you live in an area with very narrow roads that has to evolve?"

Mr Holmes replied: "My experience is that people who buy houses in that area accept they can't park near their property. I fully recognise that the ancient infrastructure is a constraint and that has to be taken into account. But we have to put the safety of the pedestrians first."

Members of the public were encouraged to remain quiet while proceedings took place, as councillors also discussed problems with vehicles having damaged property corners.

Cllr Fiona Mather said: "I cannot accept there's no scope for change and that it's this or nothing. Residents believe that the plans need amending and should not add to the existing problems. The current proposal is for a narrow entrance on a narrow road. I have viewed it four times a day for 14 years.

"[The officer's] views seem a fantasy to me because it just doesn't reflect what goes on on that street. Properties are frequently damaged by cars. Local residents would like to see the scheme built but with a reasonable traffic outcome. We need further communication and constructive dialogue to get a better solution."

She and Cllr Ian Tait received applause from members of the public after they spoke, to which the chair, Cllr Laurence Ruffell said loudly: "This is not a comedy show. I do not expect anyone to clap anything."