OPINION is split over new plans for six homes to replace a derelict garage in a Hampshire market town. 

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He initially submitted a planning application at the start of the year which has now been withdrawn.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 Bishop's Waltham Society and Bishop's Waltham Parish Council. It also received one neutral and five supporting comments.

House designs (Image: WCC)

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: Popham Airfield: More than 400 objections to major development plans

By June 24, seven objections, including from the parish council, and three supporting comments had been submitted. 

Emma Rosling, of Botley Road, said: “I would support development on this piece of land, I believe that this represents overdevelopment of the site. Cramming in six houses of only a room's width is too much for such a constrained site. It will be visible from the important palace ruins and this has not been properly addressed in the application. I am very disappointed to see that there is no commitment to installing air source heat pumps and PV panels onto the buildings.”

Esso, Bishop's Waltham (Image: Google Street View)

Robert Shields, of Hoe Road, said: “Although there are only 2.5 storeys, the roof elevation is massive and is totally out of keeping with the style of the first two storeys and lacks of any variation in the main roof-line across all six houses. It is very reminiscent of the German barrack blocks built in the 1930s. Therefore, I have no option other than to object to this planning application, but I would certainly support it (as doubtless many other local residents would as well) if the roof line were to be lowered and variation introduced.”

Supporter Sue Curtis, of Rareridge Close, said: “While I supported the original application for six terraced houses on this site I find the new design much better. The roof line is less obtrusive and the re-design of the end house nearest the Winchester Road is much improved. The whole look the changes to the roofline, the windows and some of facade materials is much improved and pleasing.”

The planning statement said: “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." 

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