PLANS to transform a three-bedroom house in a Basingstoke suburb into a flat and maisonette have been rejected.

A two-bedroom maisonette and a one-bedroom flat had been proposed at the property – 104 Melrose Walk – by the owner, Benjamin Inker.

But councillors on the borough’s development control committee refused the application after hearing concerns about parking facilities at the property.

Councillor David Potter, who represents the Popley East ward, raised concerns at the lack of parking outside the property.

In the plans, three car parking spaces were proposed – one within the rear garden and two on a verge behind the property.

Cllr Potter said: “We have similar parking problems in my ward because of 40 to 50-year-old estates with bad parking provision. People leave cars out on the road and put them on verges.”

In a report to the committee, Cllr Jane Frankum referred to the plan to use public space to park another two cars, saying: “This would result in the children who use this route to their schools having to walk in the road.”

Cllr Paul Frankum added: “I agree with Cllr Jane Frankum and would add that when Melrose Walk was built, the design balanced the number of flats and houses.

“Already the balance has changed and resulted in a loss of three-bedroom family homes, and has created more vehicles parking in a dangerous manner.”

Mr Inker, 37, told The Gazette: “I am disappointed. I will talk to the officer, see what my options are and see what we need to do.”