A CONTROVERSIAL application to build new houses on Dyson Drive is appearing before the planning committee on Wednesday, October 18.

The proposal by the city council is to build eight new, two-storey dwellings on the land in Abbotts Barton.

Vehicle access from Francis Gardens, as well as associated car parking and landscaping, is also part of the application.

The proposal has received almost 40 objections from residents.

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Francesca Davies, of Francis Gardens, objected on the grounds that, if the proposal is approved, it will destroy green space that is played on by local children.

In a letter to Winchester City Council she said: “The green area is a place for the local community to play on. It's a space where the community get together. You will be taking away a space for children to play on. It's also not a large space, building this number of houses will look too compact and not in-keeping with the local area.”

Mark Price, of Hussey Close, wrote: “This area is routinely used as a recreational area by the local children, which was originally intended to mitigate the very small garden spaces that was allocated to the properties in Abbotts Barton.

“This should still be honoured and the green space should be left for the recreation and enjoyment of the local residents.”

Meriel McCullagh, also of Francis Gardens, raised concerns about highway safety and nature conservation if the plans were approved.

She wrote: “There is already traffic congestion at the junction between Francis Gardens and Dyson Drive. Cars come very close to one another due to the parked cars and Francis Gardens is used a great deal by cyclists and walkers including families taking children to and from school.

“There may be an accident waiting to happen.”

Dr Simon Buckingham, of Francis Gardens, called the proposal “completely irrational and short-sighted”.

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He wrote: “The worst disruption I fear will be the noise and commotion for the neighbouring Abbotts Barton Care Home. Elderly people who are trying to live out their last few years in peace and quiet and are likely to be very nervous and sensitive to the disruption this will cause.”

He continued: “Winchester Council need to seriously reconsider their priorities”.

The city council has argued that is plenty of open space only yards away off Chaundler Road. The homes will be for people on the council waiting list.

More information on the application can be found by visiting the Winchester City Council planning portal and searching for planning reference 22/01725/FUL.

The application is due to be decided by the Planning Committee on Wednesday, October 18.