CITY council planners have refused plans to construct a self-build dwelling in Colden Common.
Mr Massey and Dr McGeoch applied to Winchester City Council to demolish existing buildings on the lands of Arnewood House, Boyes Lane, replacing it with a single-storey, five-bedroom house.
The application also covered a new garage, associated landscaping, biodiversity enhancements and the construction of a package treatment plant.
Winchester City Council planning committee refused the application on Wednesday, June 12.
READ MORE: Hampshire garage conversion plan rejected by Winchester planners
Speaking in favour of the application, Adam Clark, on behalf of Adam Knibb Architects, said that it had not received any objections from neighbours.
He said: “It is the application's ambition to create a new home for themselves, which is high quality, sustainable and suited to its context.
“The building is low-lying and unobtrusive in the landscape, and extensive consideration has been given to its design to achieve this. It is outside the Colden Common settlement boundary but is very close to it, and the planning department has decided that the principle is acceptable.
“We submit that this application provides a high-quality dwelling, which will make a positive contribution to its locality. It has received the approval of the planning department, and there have been no neighbour objections.”
The committee raised concerns over the applicant building the property to only then rent or sell it to others, asking for a condition to be added for the applicants to be required to live in the property for three to five years before selling it.
Cllr Jonathan Williams said: “It is a very difficult decision. I would be minded without the conditions to consider not supporting the officers' recommendation and not giving approval. However, I think the additional conditions are enough to satisfy me that this is not a self-build that has come for others to buy.”
SEE ALSO: Lawyer wins appeal against restrictions on helicopter flights to Durley mansion
Cllr Patrick Cunningham said he would vote against the application, saying: “I am worried and I’m concerned that the pressures to meet the obligations to promote custom-built dwellings within the district could end up driving a cart and horses through our local plan policies.
“This obligation should not contravene or undermine some of our most important policies, as they apply to the countryside.
“Whilst I appreciate the need to address the outstanding numbers in the south and custom build register, and that this is a material consideration, this should not serve what is a clear undermining in our planning policy and permit development in the countryside which should overwise not be permitted.”
The committee voted to refuse the application.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here