PLANS to build 12 new affordable homes on a greenfield site in Littleton have been submitted to Winchester City Council.

It is the culmination of several years' work, which began with a housing needs survey in 2003.

The land is off Main Road, between Rozelle Close and Larch Cottage, and is outside the settlement boundary. It was chosen from a dozen possible sites specifically earmarked for social housing.

This week, Hyde Housing Association has lodged the scheme with Winchester's planners to build four one-bed, four two-bed, a pair of three-bed and two four-bed homes, along with 22 parking spaces and landscaping.

The land is what is known as an exceptions site', which can only be released for the development of affordable housing.

A public exhibition, attended by 140 visitors, was held at Littleton Millennium Memorial Hall in November last year and residents gave a mixed reaction to the plans.

Chris Buchan-Hepburn, from Hyde Housing Association, said feedback from the exhibition had helped shape the planning application.

"There were some minor changes, we did a few changes to the landscaped areas, but essentially the style of the buildings have remained the same as they were before and the general arrangement of the site has remained constant."

He said most objections at the exhibition came from people living immediately next to the site, which was normal.

Mr Buchan-Hepburn added: "It was a worthwhile exhibition and it's certainly something we would do elsewhere.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for Littleton to get homes for local people, which is what it's all about."

When the site was first announced, residents feared it would be the thin end of the wedge, but housing bosses reassured them it was a one-off solely for low-cost homes.

Of 10 objections, eight came from neighbouring properties; while there were five supporters.

People in need of a new home welcomed the scheme, but some were concerned about whether locals would occupy the homes - something housing chiefs say they have strict criteria on - and others had worries over the village's infrastructure.

Littleton has no school and is not connected to the main drainage system. Also, its Post Office and shop looks likely to close in April if a financial rescue package cannot be put together.

Comments on the plans need to be submitted to the city council's planning department by Friday, February 15.

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