MORE than 50 objections have been lodged against plans for four homes in the Itchen Valley.

The proposal would see the homes go on land to the east of 140 Alresford Road, in Itchen Stoke.

The scheme sees a mix of two four-bedroom homes and two three-bedroom homes.

However, residents have voiced their concerns against the scheme, which include a “dangerous” access road. They also argue that the agricultural land should not be converted into housing as it would remove the open space between properties.

Dr Martin Burton, of Water Lane, Itchen Stoke, said: “This access point is a particularly narrow section in the road with impaired vision in either direction due to bends in the road.

“There are already safety concerns by those living on this section of the road.”

City councillor Jackie Porter is also among those to object, as well as Itchen Stoke and Ovington Parish Council, who said: “In the context of Itchen Stoke, this proposed development represents an executive estate.

“To imply that this development will somehow sit sympathetically and seamlessly with neighbouring properties and the village as a whole is to demonstrate an imagination honed by the prospect of profit.”

Michael Scammell, national park conservation officer, added: “To my eye, the introduction of a barn-like house type, presumably as a nod to the converted Giles Barn to the west, introduces an especially unwelcome smack of falsification.

The plans were defended in a statement by Winchester-based architects Radley House Partnership: “The dwelling’s sizes follow local planning guidance and is driven by local need. The low density nature of the development reflects local plot sizes and compliments the open, rural nature of its surroundings inside the South Downs National Park.”

A decision is expected later this month.