PLANS to build new homes in Winchester on disused allotments received a mixed reaction from residents this week.

A housing scheme in Cromwell Road, Stanmore, was unveiled at a public consultation on Monday.

The project, by Radian Housing Association, would see nine homes built on land behind 96-112 Cromwell Road.

Seven of the units would be for rent, while the other two would be shared ownership.

Reaction from residents was split with some arguing the homes would have little impact on the 4,000-plus waiting list for houses in Winchester.

But other residents praised the scheme and said it was a good use of the land.

Ian Douglass, of neighbouring Airlie Road, said: “It has been wasteland for many years and I would be happy for the council to, at long last, do something about developing it.”

A similar plan, created by A2 Dominion, was rejected by a city council planning committee around a year ago, but designers Architecture PLB said improvements had been made to the scheme.

Paul Phasey, of Architecture PLB, said: “We have been working with city council planners and this is the one that we all agreed will have the best chance of being a viable scheme.”

Mr Douglass added: “It seems to be a better plan than the last one because it has more space and light.”

The dwellings will be detached and the number of units has been reduced to increase space for gardens and amenities.

The size of the road running through the development has also been reduced to protect nearby trees.

A representative from Radian declined to comment at this stage.

The scheme is likely to go to a committee decision later this year.