CONTROVERSIAL plans to build homes for the elderly in an historic Winchester street have been granted today.

A large extra care housing block is set to be built on Chesil Street open air car park amid objection from residents who said it would overshadow the street's medieval and Georgian houses.

The plans, including 52 cut-rate flats for over-55s, communal facilities and a day care centre, were approved by Winchester City Council this morning.

Residents also warned that building on the site would remove an important car park and force tenants in mobility scooters to navigate narrow roads and pavements.

The planning committee, attended by around 40 locals, heard from all sides that more extra care facilities are needed to cope with Winchester's ageing population.

Housing officer Andrew Palmer said alternative sites, such as Avalon House, St Peter Street and Cattle Market, were deemed too small or too far from the city centre after "rigorous assessment".

The scheme is designed to allow older residents to keep their independence, with easy access to shops and services, whilst providing 24-hour support.

Protests included 80 letters of objection, a petition of 176 signatures and a 100-strong rally at the car park on Sunday.

The 2,225 square-metre building, of up to five storeys, is the "absolute maximum the site can take without clearly harming the conservation area", a council report said.

Architect Richard Jobson said: “When we started with this design we were very conscious of the open nature of Chesil Street and we sought to actually push the development back to create an attractive linear landscape space.”

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Alan Foster, of St Giles Hill Residents’ Association, said the plans defied council policy to build sensitively in historic areas.

Ward councillor Fiona Mather said the building was made of “crude blocks, like shipping containers” which would overbear on the historic setting.

She said: “We need such homes, but 'the end justifies the means' is not a planning argument.

"By no stretch of the imagination or creative use of words can Winchester residents be persuaded that it doesn't harm a historic street that should be cherished and enhanced.”

The council is looking to create a pedestrian route through or around the multi-storey car park to boost accessibility, while a new bridge across the River Itchen has been considered in discussions over development at Chesil Theatre.

Work is set to begin next June and is due for completion in January 2017.