A controversial new development at Chilbolton Avenue has been approved despite objections from neighbours properties.

The new development of four, four bed homes and one three bed home at 30 Chilbolton Avenue will include large dormer windows on the third floor bedrooms of the properties which those objecting to the plans have called Intimidating", "over-developed" and "overbearing".

Concerns were also raised about the potential loss of privacy the windows could cause to neighbours in their gardens due to overlooking, to both neighbours in Chilbolton Avenue and residents in nearby Bryon Avenue and Greenhill Road.

Developers however insisted that the large homes were in keeping with the character of other similar sized homes and recent developments in the Chilbolton area and that a proposed tree wall would protect the privacy of residents in neighbouring roads.

Robert Aish, a resident of Chilbolton Avenue, who spoke against the plans admitted that there was a precedent for this type of housing development in Chilbolton Avenue, and as such did not call for the refusal of the entire scheme.

Instead of an outright rejection of the proposals Mr Aish instead proposed that the plans be altered to replace the large dormer windows with "less intrusive" 'velux' style windows and a pitched roof.

Cllr Jane Rutter questioned whether the development of more large houses in the area was in keeping with the local plan and criticised the piecemeal nature of development of the area as a means of avoiding affordable housing requirements and said that this was something that should be campaigned against.

Reminding the council that there was no such thing as "Precedent in planning" she blasted the proposed homes as "ugly, overbearing, over-developed and out of character".

Although he conceded that the dormer windows were "rather over the top" Cllr Tate said "I can't see a planning reason to turn this down." Referring to other similar developments that were being built in the area he concluded that "it becomes difficult to object to"

The plans were approved with a vote of seven to two.