A CONTROVERSIAL plan for a home to be knocked down and replaced with two large homes and three smaller ones was rubber stamped – despite more than 25 objections from nearby residents.

Paul Doswell wants to demolish a home and replace it with two five-bedroom homes, two three-bedroom homes and a two-bedroom home at Cross Way, Shawford.

The plans are earmarked for approval but local residents were largely against it, with 26 letters of objection and just six letters supporting it.

Concerns include residents claiming it is “overbearing”, overdeveloped, would lead to a loss of privacy and would increase traffic.

Compton and Shawford Parish Council also objected and say the plans are against the village design statement.

A decision was previously deferred in March for more information on affordable housing but councillors heard the scheme will not offer this until it is partially built.

Objector Pat Appleton said Mr Doswell should build three houses which are sympathetic to existing homes and added the current plans are double the density of housing in the area.

Winchester City Council ward councillor Jan Warwick said: “We are concerned that this application will change the dynamics of the area and that the proposal is considerably out of line with the Compton and Shawford Design Statement.”

She added: “The proximity of the proposed properties to the existing neighbours is likely to have a harmful impact on their amenity. The precedent set by this proposal will change the character of the area forever and I believe this application should be rejected.”

Supporting the plans was planning agent Jason Murphy who said he was confident there would be no overlooking. The affordable housing for the scheme could be “unviable”.

Cllr Ian Tait said: “I will wholeheartedly support this application. It is of excellent quality by a reputable local developer.”

Eight councillors voted in favour of the plans and one against.