PLANS for a new garage do not normally spark much controversy.

But one at a controversial house on the edge of Winchester has attracted so many that a planning committee will decide it.

The proposed double garage at Texas on Texas Drive, Oliver's Battery, has led to nine objections as well as the local city councillor. It has been dubbed a blot on the landscape.

Texas was a contentious planning application that was rejected by planners but the decision was overturned on appeal in 2019. The white modernist single storey detached house replaced a two-bedroom bungalow.

Cllr Brian Laming has told planning officers: "This site has been the most contentious of any in the ward and has had a number of applications refused or enforcement notices given out.

"This garage contravenes city council policies in a number of ways as it creates an impact on the neighbour which again changes the visual impact on the area. It should be considered as over-development as it was refused previously. The application is retrospective as the garage was turned down by the original planning officer and it has no material changes in the position or design."

READ MORE HERE: Developer offers to double in size butterfly reserve in plans for houses on edge of Oliver's Battery

Other objections include "unacceptable visual impact on the existing landscape" and over-development; the garage was previously refused by the city council and material considerations have not changed.

One objector, David Pople, of Oliver's Battery Gardens, wrote to the council: "My wife and I object most strongly to this application which seeks to increase a significant blot on the landscape and which should never have been allowed.

"With the dwelling and out-buildings already constructed the developer flagrantly flouted building constraints imposed regarding building lines, and throughout appears to have misled everyone."

Stephen Morgan, of Plovers Down, Oliver's Battery, stated: "I urge the authority to reject this renewed attempt to extend this eyesore property further."

The agent, acting on behalf of the developer Mark Oakley, is well-known and award-winning Winchester architect Jeremy Tyrell of T2 Architects.

Planning officer Sean Quigley is recommending approval, stating: "The development is recommended for permission as an extension to an existing dwelling. The site is in an area defined as countryside in the local plan and it is considered that the extension will not have a significantly detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the area or on the amenities of the neighbouring occupiers."

SEE ALSO: Original Texas decision overturned on appeal in 2019

The application is due to go before the planning committee on Wednesday January 11, not before 2pm.

Texas was up for sale earlier this year with a guide price of £3.45m. Since then the price has been reduced to £3m. It has five bedrooms and two bathrooms. Charters' website says the property has been sold.

Meanwhile, land to the north and west of Texas Drive is the subject of a likely planning application.

Montare, a Hertfordshire-based company, wants to build an unspecified number of houses on open land and has been consulting local people, as reported in the Hampshire Chronicle in October.