A CONTROVERSIAL application for a new house in Denmead has been permitted.

The plan, for a replacement house at Furzeley Corner, was brought before Winchester City Council's planning committee on December 13.

The controversy was over the fact the a house had already been permitted on the site, as a Class Q development. This meant, that if the plan had been refused, the applicant had a fallback position.

Paula Langford-Smith, chairman of Denmead Parish Council, said: “The Class Q development was permitted by this committee last year. The application is undesirable, being located in the Denmead Waterlooville gap. 

“This should be refused as it is not in a sustainable location, being 2.5km from the amenities in the village centre. It's outside the defined settlement boundary and it's in a settlement gap. 

“The parish council is asking you to protect our biodiversity and the settlement gap.”

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Lynne Watterson, the applicant, said: "My family bought the land in 1946. The application is for a home for my husband and me and it is modest in size. It's a modern design, so it will be more environmentally sustainable the Class Q. I respectfully request this application is approved." 

The committee were split over the decision to permit it.

Cllr Jane Rutter, chairman of the committee, said: “I will support the recommendations to permit in this case. If it was a new dwelling in the countryside, then we couldn't possibly support it. We need to consider what is best for the area and the proposed cottage is built in the vernacular of the area and is ecologically sound.”

Cllr Brian Laming said: “I think it's overdevelopment of the area. I cannot support this.”

Cllr Chris Westwood said: “I will be supporting the recommendations. The design is a significant improvement on the fallback position.”

The committee agreed to permit the application, with five votes for and three against.