City council planners have voted to permit a major development scheme in Alresford town centre.
Metis Homes applied to Winchester City Council for permission to demolish three industrial units at The Dean and build 14 flats and a 40-space public car park.
The proposal includes access, parking, cycle storage, refuse storage, landscaping and other associated works.
The scheme was approved by the council planning committee on Wednesday, July 17.
READ MORE: Major scheme for 14 new flats and 40 car parking spaces to be decided
Alresford ward councillor Margot Power said that she did not object to the amended plans submitted by Metis Homes, although she did ask if swift bricks could be used in the houses to help the increasingly rare birds.
Speaking before the committee, Mr Harris said: “Metis Homes has successfully developed schemes in Winchester for many years, and we are proud of the developments we have made.
“This scheme is the final piece of the jigsaw puzzle in the regeneration of central Alresford.
“I met personally with objectors about their concerns to see if there was anything we could do to address their concerns with our redesigns. As a result of this, the application was subject to reworking earlier this year that saw a reduction in overall height and massing, the addition of extra design features and detailing to all of the accommodations, and the setting back of the building by a further two meters from the pavement edge. All of these changes were well received, and resulted in the application you have before you today.”
When questioned by councillors, Mr Harris confirmed that despite the need for affordable homes in Alresford, the scheme does not support affordable housing due to costs.
Council officers also confirmed that the car park to the rear of the development would be lit to Hampshire County Council standards, and would not be a free car park.
Cllr Jonathan Williams said: “I’m disappointed regarding affordable housing, but completely understand considering that this is a brownfield site and the potential of contamination of soil that this will increase costs and reduce the opportunity to have affordable housing.
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“I’m quite satisfied with the assurances regarding the car park, especially regarding the funding, lighting and security aspects, therefore I will be supporting what I think is a very well-designed building.”
Cllr Suzanne White said: “I agree with Cllr Williams over the affordable housing, as it is important in these market towns to have that available, but I can see it’s not viable in this situation.
“Overall, I think it is a good use of the site and it is in keeping with the other development in the area and obviously provides the much-needed parking, and I am happy with the condition about the swift bricks and the house martin cups.”
Cllr Brian Laming said: “I have no hesitation in going along with this.”
The application was approved unanimously.
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