PLANNERS approved a new four-bedroom home in a narrow lane, despite the parish council branding it as a “disaster waiting to happen”.
The erection of a four-bedroom property, replacing Edenbridge in Winchester Road, Waltham Chase, was permitted by eight votes to one by Winchester City Council’s planning committee on Wednesday, March 13.
The plans, for opposite Rosehill Garage, have been slammed by Shedfield Parish Council who believe the additional traffic will be chaos, with no passing points or space for vehicles to turn.
READ MORE: Planners to decide scheme to knock house down and replace with four-bed property
Parish Councillor Steve Slark said: “The plan is highly unsustainable for additional traffic. The track at its smallest point is just 3.5m wide. Any lorries going down there can’t turn and have to reverse onto the B2177. There are only two cars there at the moment, with this there could be three more in the future and that level of traffic is not supported.
“I just think that the whole thing is a disaster waiting to happen.”
Committee member, Cllr Danny Lee, of the central Meon Valley ward, highlighted that the speed limit on the neighbouring B-road is “not adhered to”.
Demolition of the current property Edenbridge had already been agreed under a planning application in 2021. The new plans include an adjoining garage and extra parking for another four vehicles if needed.
Cllr Lee and Cllr Brian Laming questioned whether the already struggling infrastructure and sewage systems could cope with the additional demand.
SEE ALSO: Winchester City Council approve 80-home scheme in Waltham Chase
Cllr Lee said: “Residents are reporting toilets being blocked up and I have seen waste water coming out of manholes. Southern Water has recognised this as an area of poor drainage. The infrastructure is not coping well.
“I have names and addresses of blighted residents. It’s not appropriate unless we can address the sewage system much more strongly. This is very worrying.”
In response, Cllr Jane Rutter, committee chair, said they have to trust Southern Water’s reassurance that the system can withstand the plans when considering the application.
The application was approved with the condition that a construction management plan is enforced, only Cllr Lee voted against it.
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