APPLAUSE broke out as plans for 47 retirement flats at the gateway to Romsey were unanimously refused. 

Churchill Retirement Living's scheme for the former Edwina Mountbatten House care home was turned down despite officers recommending permission. 

The design was criticised for its size, bulk and impact on surrounding properties. The Test Valley Borough Council southern area committee debated the scheme on Tuesday evening, March 12 and there was a sharp intake of breath when planning officers showed CGIs of the building's appearance. 

It received 13 objections and one supporting comment. The planning committees of Romsey Town Council and Romsey and District Society had both objected. 

Colin Burgess, from the town council, said: “The proposals are completely unacceptable. The design looks like an enormous lump and is unsympathetic to the surrounding buildings. 

“The residents in the nearby cottages already suffer from traffic pollution, which will get worse. The applicant has failed to address the problems.”

Anna Duignan, from the Romsey and District Society, said: “The consultation has been seriously flawed. This is an important gateway to the town, a very sensitive site indeed. 

Hampshire Chronicle: CGI from Rosmey Bypass

READ MORE: Romsey planning: Opposition to Churchill Retirement Living plans

“It's a generic form of development which is inappropriate for the area. The buildings are up to three times the size of the existing building which would have a damaging impact.”

Stuart Goodwill, the applicant's agent, said: “We pride ourselves on doing things the correct way. Romsey had been under threat of greenfield development, so we need to make use of brownfield sites. 

“This will have social and economic benefits on the town centre. The design has been fully supported by planning officers.”

Councillors criticised the scheme for only including 16 car park spaces.

Hampshire Chronicle: CGI from Palmerstone Street

Cllr Sandra Gidley asked Mr Goodwill if he was proud of the scheme. He said: “I'm very confident this will benefit the town, so yes, in short.”

Cllr Gidley added: "I'm mindful of the fact it's an opportunity to do something special at the gateway to the town. Is this it? Possibly not. 

"The impact on Palmerston Street will be overbearing. It's not a sympathetic design. The car parking is lower than required. I can't support this." 

Cllr Alan Warnes said: “This is a big development compared to the current building. The CGIs really show just how big it is.”

Cllr Janet Burnage said: “When I saw the CGIs, I took a sharp intake of breath. It will completely dominate Palmerston Street.”

All 11 committee members voted for refusal to applause from members of the public. 

The reasons for refusal were given as the overbearing impact on residents of Palmerston Street and that it dominates the setting.