COUNCILLORS have backed moves to a force a developer to make changes to a controversial Winchester building.

They freed enforcement officers to take action over a 400-bed University of Winchester student accommodation block off Sparkford Road.

Winchester City Council (WCC) says the developer is flouting a planning condition by not fitting louvers – or shutters – to the residential block.

Residents in nearby Milnthorpe Lane – who campaigned against the halls of residence – claim they will reduce light pollution and overlooking.

Dave Dimon, planning officer at WCC, said consent was given on condition the developer spoke to the authority about the shutters, but that they had failed to do so.

Councillors voted to take enforcement action during an exempt session of WCC’s planning development committee meeting on Thursday (March 11).

Fiona Mather, city councillor for the St Michael ward, had earlier urged members to take action over the louvers. She said: “The extent to which this development looms over houses in Milnthorpe Lane can hardly be over amplified.”

“This is the worst building to have been granted planning permission in this historic city,” said Alison Dudgeon, founder of Sparkford Area Residents’ Association (SARA). “This building should be deemed illegal until these louvers are fitted.”