Bishop's Waltham: New plans for six homes to replace petrol station

Chris Southcott, of developer Maxwell Homes Winchester, wants to demolish the former Esso garage in Winchester Road, Bishop's Waltham.

He initially submitted a planning application at the start of the year which has now been withdrawn.

Those plans were widely criticised with 28 objections, including from Bishop's Waltham Society and Bishop's Waltham Parish Council. It also received one neutral and five supporting comments.

Mr Southcott has now submitted a new application, for the garage which closed around 2015, which addresses some of the complaints. More recently it has been used as a base for car washing.

READ MORE: Bishop's Waltham Esso plans get objections from the public

By Thursday, May 30, the new scheme had received no public comments in support or objection. 

The planning statement said that the height of the building has now been reduced to two storey with rooms in the roof, the design is more traditional with up and over roofs and dormers to reduce the mass, and the design of the end unit front Winchester Road has been changed to provide more street frontage. 

The statement added: “Overall, it is suggested that the design and layout of the proposed development will contribute to the character of the area and its impact will be minimal on the surrounding properties. 

“The development will deliver six new residential units that have been designed with sustainability in mind that will contribute to the character of the area. The scale and form of the proposed development is appropriate in its existing and future context and makes the site ideal for a higher density of development than the existing use provides. As the proposal accords with the aims and objectives of national, regional and local guidance, the application site is a suitable location for a new residential development.”

For more information about the plans online, search 24/00861/FUL on Winchester City Council's online planning portal.