A DECISION is due for plans to replace a former post office in Waltham Chase with new houses.
Alderbury Homes Ltd has applied to demolish the closed Waltham Chase Convenience Store in Winchester Road and build four new homes. The application also covers the construction of access, parking and associated works to make the properties viable.
The application will be decided by the Winchester City Council planning committee on Wednesday, August 14.
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A total of 20 letters objecting to the scheme have been received by the city council, along with two “neutral” letters. No letters in support of the application have been received.
Kelvin Smith, of Ashley Gardens, has objected to the plans over fears that the completed buildings would overshadow his garden saying they would “deprive my household from enjoying direct sunlight.”
He continued: “Being so close to my own property, these two buildings would be overbearing, creating a feeling of claustrophobia and impairing the present sense of space and openness we currently enjoy and which attracted us to this neighbourhood in the first place. Furthermore, my family's privacy would be compromised as anyone looking out of the back bedroom windows would be able to see into our rear garden as well as into our rear bedrooms. “
“I fail to see an overriding reason for building these two houses other than to allow the developer to squeeze as much revenue as possible from this small plot of land.”
Dianne Portman, also of Ashley Gardens, said: “I expect development to take place, but this is far too cramped, too close to my house and every aspect of my garden will be overlooked.”
Elena Cockram, of Winchester Road, called the proposed site “overdeveloped and over-bearing.”
She continued: “There is a real concern of drainage. The gardens from the park down to the Old Post Office are always wet and waterlogged over the autumn, winter and springtime. The park runs off into Twyne Hams and neighbouring gardens. By removing the natural drainage from the Old Post Office gardens, by building homes and car parking, this will exacerbate the issue, impacting negatively on neighbouring gardens, habitats, planting and their useability.”
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Shedfield Parish Council has also issued an objection to the plans on behalf of residents.
The parish council said: “Amendments have been minimal, consisting of slightly lowering the roof height of the two properties at the back of the site, that directly back onto the gardens of houses in Ashley Gardens. Unfortunately, none of the other concerns were addressed and for this reason SPC objects to the amended application.”
City council planning officers have recommended the plans be permitted. The officers’ report says: “The development is recommended for permission as it is considered that it will not result in negative impacts on the character of the area.”
For more details about the plans online, search 23/02061/FUL on Winchester City Council's planning portal.
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