A HOUSING developer has applied to build seven homes near a city centre college.

Alfred Homes wants to build the properties after demolishing the existing building at 30 Bereweeke Road, near Peter Symonds College. 

The development includes access, parking and landscaping. It will have four three-bed houses, one four-bed and two five-bed. 

On the application's planning statement, it said: “Parking has been provided to standard, with each of the three bedroom properties benefitting from two spaces, and the larger four and five bedroom properties from a minimum of three spaces. Additional visitor spaces are provided within the application site. 

“The architecture proposed is classical in nature, but varied, providing for seven new family homes within close proximity to the services and facilities of the city centre. At 18 dwellings to the hectare, the proposal makes more efficient use of the land in accordance with the policies as contained within the Development Plan, while preserving the character of the locality, and furthermore, facilitating further development to the rear of Bereweeke Road should at any point in time in the future this come forward.

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“The proposal provides for four of the seven properties three bedroom properties, with Plot 1 being a four bedroom property and Plot 6 and 7 being five bedrooms, providing a board mix of housing and sizes.”

By Tuesday, January 2, one public objection had been submitted. 

Jennie Espiner, of Stockbridge Road, said: “I object to this proposal as a neighbour, parent and grandparent. There are too few dwellings in this locale for young people and for people who require social housing. This elegant building could be re-designed to meet the needs of several characters of home owners. Have we learned nothing about climate change and the need to protect our environment? Seven huge houses with garages, access and parking all covering large swathes of ground will inhibit good water run off.

“As a walker I'm frequently astounded at the huge buses exiting Peter Symonds College carrying students to local towns and villages. Then there are the driving instructors who park to collect their learners blocking easy transit of the road. Add to this the fact there is a day nursery in close proximity and up to 4,000 young people at the college. Imagine the air pollution.

“I object to this proposal and would ask that planners use some imagination and transform this beautiful property and surrounding gardens into something worthy for our children and our children's children.”

For more information about the plan, search 23/02738/FUL on Winchester City Council's online planning portal.