A CONTENTIOUS planning application for a village site, branched "pure unnecessary greed" has been approved by planners.

J Squared Property Ltd proposed to build four houses on a plot where a bungalow has been demolished on Boyne Rise, Kings Worthy.

Permission has already been granted for three homes but an earlier scheme for four homes was rejected both by the planning committee and by an inspector on appeal.

Kings Worthy Parish Council objected to the new proposal and there were objections from 18 households, citing over-development and traffic issues.

Neighbour Terry Foley, of Boyne Rise, said: "This is pure unnecessary greed. These houses are not going to be much-needed housing but will be priced out of the range of first-time buyers."

Cllr Colin Cossburn, of the parish council, said it was out of keeping with the character of the area.

Caroline Gould, agent for the scheme, said the principle of the development has been established and several of the previous problems had been addressed. The footprint of the proposed buildings was smaller than the previous two schemes, she said.

Local city councillor Jane Rutter remains opposed. "This is the third time this has come to the planning committee. Originally it was for five dwellings, then four. It was turned down and then turned down by a planning inspector. Then they came forward for three which we accepted reluctantly. It was just about acceptable in terms of access and traffic.

"Now the developer comes back and asks for more. Four is too many on this site. The developer is greedily looking for one more. One more tips it from being just about acceptable to unacceptable," added Cllr Rutter.

But the planning committee voted by six votes to three to approve the application.