Itchen Abbas house to be demolished and replaced with larger eco-house

City councillors have approved plans to demolish Gages Close on Main Road, Itchen Abbas, and build a replacement dwelling to Passivhaus standards.

There were a number of objections including Itchen Valley Parish Council citing the proximity of the building to the site of Lord Grey's Cottage on the River Itchen. Sir Edward Grey was foreign secretary from 1905 to 1916 and famously said at the start the First World War: "The lamps are going out all over Europe, we shall not see them lit again in our life-time".

In total there were 33 objections and 37 expressions of support.

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Opponents cited the loss of a small dwelling, with another saying the proposed design was like a doctors surgery or veterinary clinic. Although built to Passivhaus standards that did not take into account the carbon emissions from demolition, the transport of materials and building, said one objection.

But supporters described the design as exciting, innovative and brave.

Gages Close was built around 1930 by the Itchen Abbas District Nursing Association as a home for the local district nurse.

Objector Toby Stubbs told the planning committee the new house was 65 per cent larger and would have a detrimental effect on wildlife including bats and owls.

Karen Clark, agent for the applicant, Mrs Waldron, said: "The existing property is not of any historical or cultural importance that would preclude its replacement. There would not be the loss of a small dwelling as Gages Close is a substantial property now."

Cllr Frank Pearson said: "It is an innovative and beautiful building, a little unusual for Itchen Abbas but houses in Itchen Abbas are well spread out. You can imagine the views across the Itchen Valley. The potential is fantastic."

Committee vice-chairman Cllr Jane Rutter said: "It is a very ordinary example of a turn of the last century house which is not worth keeping for its own sake. Trying to heat with virtually no foundations, virtually no insulation, impossible to heat and bring up to modern standards, I'm afraid its time has come to an end. As much as possible will be recycled and moved on to other heritage buildings."

Council planning officer Charlotte Fleming recommended approval and the committee voted by seven to one in favour.

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