PLANS for two detached self-built six-bedroom homes in Twyford have been refused.

Reilly Developments Ltd want to build the two homes at Highcroft in Love Lane. The plans would involve knocking down the existing boarded-up home on the site.

However Twyford Parish Council have objected to the scheme, because the authority believes it goes against the Twyford Neighbourhood Plan.

The plans have had three people objecting to them and Winchester City Council’s planning committee heard concerns about the impact of the homes.

Objector Antony Fanshawe from Twyford, said: “It does not comply with local or national planning policy.

“Secondly that from our experience of building an extension, I know that this project will cause a lot of construction traffic.

“We are likely to be left with a damaged access road to our house and we are likely to suffer damage to our vehicles as a consequence.”

Supporting the project, Louise Cutts, from Wessex Planning said: “You’re presented with a plan that replaces badly positioned dwelling with two attractive plots that have no impact on landscape character.”

She added: “We are missing a trick if we ignore potential for larger housing in a housing crisis.”

Councillor Kim Gottlieb said the development would be an attempt to overdevelop the site, while councillor Ian Tait went against officers recommendations to refuse the homes.

Cllr Tait said Winchester City Council must do more to support self builds.

Eight councillors voted to refuse the plans, and one councillor voted in favour of it.