PLANS to build 55 homes in Test Valley have been pushed back, it has been revealed.

A planning application was submitted to Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) to build the "prestigious homes" in the Old Mansion Site, Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh.

The plans, submitted by Highwood Homes, would sit in the Old Mansion Site, behind Stoneham Lakes, if given the green light by TVBC.

Now a decision on the plans will not be made by the council until Thursday, April 30.

A spokesperson from TVBC told the Romsey Advertiser: "The applicant has an agreed extension of time with the Local Planning Authority on the decision target date until April 30."

This comes after a chairman of a fishing club hit out at the plans, claiming it would be a "nightmare" for fishers.

Chairman of Eastleigh and District Angling Club, David Banks, believed members of the club would see increased traffic congestion in the area, due to the extra 149 car parking spaces that could be built.

The 67-year-old feared the "three-storey block of flats" would tower over Stoneham Lakes, increasing light pollution when fishers are there at night.

He added: "We were told about seven years ago there was a development of 12 high quality homes and on this understanding we sold a small bit of land to Highwood; now they are looking to build blocks of flats and houses."

Chairman of Stoneham Golf Course, Nick Clayton, also claimed they had been “completely misrepresented by Highwood Homes”.

The application would offer a mix of one and two bedroom apartments, including a number of three and four bedroom houses, as well as one five bedroom house.

The development would also feature a new tennis court located in the centre of the site, a woodland walk and a waterside terrace.

Plans for the homes were due to be decided on Monday, February 3.

Highwood Homes has been contacted for comment.