Planners approve plans for home near Alresford (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Planners approve plans for home near Alresford

11:57am Saturday 18th February 2012 in News By Joseph Curtis

A CONTROVERSIAL scheme to build a new home near Alresford was approved by the city council.

The council rubber stamped a plan to demolish a barn in Sutton Wood Lane, Bighton, and replace it with a five-bedroom dwelling.

Council planners recommended rejecting the scheme claiming it would damage the character of the area and there was no need for a house.

But Jeremy Higgins, agent for applicant Wilson McCowen, said the proposal should be approved because the barn has not been used commercially for three years and had been illegally occupied several times since.

The plans also included green measures such as solar panels and a ground source heat pump.

Both Bighton Parish Council and local city councillor Simon Cook backed the proposal.

Cllr Cook said: “It’s an unattractive structure and has been something of an irritation and a scenic blight. It’s in the interest of the local community to approve this scheme, particularly with its green credentials.”

Members of a planning committee were divided over the scheme, but approved it by eight votes to four.

Cllr Jane Rutter said: “I have been torn on this application because I’m very concerned that we do not lose employment opportunities in the area. However I think it’s been proved over the years it is not an appropriate sight for light industry.”

Committee chairman Cllr Ernest Jeffs added: “This site is no longer viable as a commercial venture.”