THE row over controversial plans for new homes in Weeke has been reignited after developers submitted revised proposals.

The scheme, at 7 Stoney Lane, would have seen the home replaced with one three and one four bedroom semi-detached house, and a terrace of two three-bed, and one two-bed homes at the rear of the site.

As previously reported, neighbours were jubilant after Winchester City Council’s planning committee threw out the plans, despite a planning officer recommending approval.

Resident and campaigner Loui Harmer said: “The officer’s recommendation was refused by the planning committee on grounds of the development being over bearing, out of character for the area and not suitable for the physical attributes of the site.

“This was a hard-fought win for the community who worked together following their concerns over highway safety and the developer-driven intensification of this area of Stoney Lane without any provision of affordable or accessible homes. We’re all very grateful that the planning committee made the right decision.”

She continued: “The developer and their architects should take a good look at the reasons for this refusal and come back with a more appropriate proposal. We are not against ‘any’ development on this site – but we were against that particular development.”

However, the new proposal, which would four homes rather than five, have received nearly 30 objections so far.

Among those who have complained is Ms Harmer, who said: “I am struggling to understand how this new planning proposal has reached this stage without someone pointing out how very little has changed since the last submission. It appears to make a mockery of the planning committee’s decision, taken not three months ago.

“The planning committee rejected the previous application for particularly rigorous reasons, none of which I feel have been adequately addressed.”

This point has been supported by The City of Winchester Trust, who said: “It was noted that the previous application for five new houses on this site was refused. It is not clear that all the concerns leading to that refusal have been addressed in the current application, and the proposed development of four houses still leaves the site appearing overcrowded.”

It is believed the application will return to the planning committee in the coming months for a decision.

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