A NEW gate can be installed in a residential area of Winchester after plans were permitted.

Catherine Brill applied to have the gate between the outer brick wall of 5 Lockburn Place and St Cross Garage.

Winchester City Council's planning committee permitted the plan on March 15 after hearing from nearby residents.

Tim Venters, the owner of St Cross Garage, said: “This gate is not needed. We have tools and equipment in the garage and putting a gate there puts them at risk. A wall is more secure. I strongly object to this.”

Ann Jones, of Cripstead Lane, said: “The consequences of a gate being here are important. The fact that it is for occasional use is valueless. Delivery vehicles would block the lane.”

Mrs Brill, the applicant, said: “This is quite straightforward. We want the back door to be useful for occasional use. 

“We want to be able to bring our muddy dog and muddy boots straight into the utility room and not straight through the house. 

“It would not be used for deliveries and it won't cause any inconvenience. It will be properly secured. There are no planning reasons why this should not be approved. It's a minor change.”

A total of 15 objecting comments were received and eight in support.

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The City of Winchester Trust objected: "There is no merit in the reasons suggested for this new pedestrian access."

However, the committee was satisfied with the application, with eight votes for and one against.

Cllr Jane Rutter said: “With due respect to the objectors, this is a reasonable application. There seems to be no other way the applicant can use the back door. It will be a well-locked, anonymous gate.”

Cllr Frank Pearson said: “I'm a bit staggered this has come before the committee. It would be perverse to say no to this. To me, it's an open and shut case.”

Cllr Brian Laming voted against the plan. He said: “I think it's inappropriate to have a gate here. I think it will have a detrimental impact on the neighbours.”