WINCHESTER planning chiefs have approved an application to turn an agricultural building into a pair of houses.

Exdell Limited applied to Winchester City Council for permission to convert buildings at East Stoke Farm, in Old Stoke Road, Stoke Charity, into a pair of homes.

The application also covers a building on the site being partially demolished to make way for a carport.

The plans were approved by the Winchester City Council planning committee.

The site of the proposed developmentThe site of the proposed development (Image: WCC)

READ MORE: City council planners approve major scheme for Alresford flats and car park

Speaking in opposition to the plan, Michael Collett, of Old Stoke Road, said: “One of our main concerns is the traffic situation.

“The exit onto Old Stoke Road is currently used by three houses, not to mention the huge lorries and farm machinery that runs through the farm yard on their way to and from the grain store. The turning out of the farm yard onto Old Stoke Road is hazardous both to the right and the left. About 80 yards to the north of the turning is the brough of a hill, over which many people travel at 70mph plus. They only get a view of the turning when they are 80 yards away and it takes them 2.35 seconds at 70mph to travel those 80 yards.

“They may hit a vehicle that is turning left or right or avoid it, maybe losing control and crashing into the hedge. In the last 20 years there have been three such incidents, one involved a teenager on a motorbike who was tragically killed when he was unable to avoid a car turning right. The other two were cars who avoided a car turning right but lost control and crashed into a hedge. The council was persuaded to write ‘Slow’ on the road in white paint, but that doesn’t deter everyone.”

Speaking in support of the application, Lloyd Exley said: “It is notable that there are only six addresses objecting to this application. Three of those are directly adjoined to the site.

“I understand their comments and if I was in a similar situation I would probably be making the same comments. Nobody wants development near them. At the same time, those comments are not supported by the council’s specialists, all of whom are satisfied with the proposal as it stands.

“The application is supported by a speed survey on that road, as well as a speed statement, all of the usual things we would expect in this sort of application. No reasons for refusal has been made on a highway ground.”

SEE ALSO: 'We’re excited about what lies ahead': New beauty salon coming to the Brooks

Cllr Suzanne White said: “I welcome all the amendments that have been made to retain the historic architectural character, I think that’s really important. Obviously, retaining a lot of the existing fabric and material is a sustainable way of building.

“I’m minded to support this application.”

Cllr Jonathan Williams called the building “well-designed.”

The committee voted unanimously to approve the application.