A NEW house can be built in Lockerley, at the fourth time of asking.
A planning application, from Mike Blackledge, was permitted for the four-bedroom house at Erlcombe in Butts Green.
This was the fourth time an application had been submitted for the house, with the previous three being refused for fears of overbearing, and the design being out of character.
However, planners were finally satisfied with the latest scheme, which includes a flat roof.
It was narrowly permitted by Test Valley Borough Council's southern area planning committee by six votes to five.
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The council received 10 letters of objection, but it was supported by Romsey and District Society's planning committee. They said: “This current application is a breath of fresh air, the design approach to lessen the impact of a dwelling on this backland site is to be embraced. The simple pallet of materials seem appropriate for the location. Landscaping combined with the green roof of wild grasses will successfully ensure the proposed dwelling blends into the locality.”
Heather Kirk, of Butts Green, spoke to the committee in objection. She said: “This is unacceptable. It will erode the sense of spaciousness.
“We have serious concerns about the designs. This is entirely inappropriate for a back garden in Lockerley.
“The overbearing appearance would only be reinforced by the extremely long blank side wall of the proposed dwelling facing Bowmans and Crispins, which would be over 18m (nearly 60 ft) in length. While the design of the proposal may appear reasonably attractive at the front elevation, it is exceptionally ugly on its western face of unrelieved brick.”
Planning agent Ian Donohue said: “There have been three previous applications which were refused. The application has been amended, including fundamental changes to the design, including a flat roof.
“Lockerley Parish Council has not objected, the planning officers say it's acceptable. The applicant has worked with officers to deal with the issues raised previously.”
Cllr John Parker said: “The previous reasons for refusal have now been dealt with, so the concerns have been resolved.”
Cllr Alan Dowden said: “It has to be acknowledged that the Romsey and District Society support it. They have a lot of expertise.”
However, Cllr Phil Bundy had concerns. He said: “The wall is now 2m closer to the boundary than the previous plan. We have to decide if there has been enough movement to limit the impact.”
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