A PLANNING application to build six new homes in Beggarwood has been granted despite opposition from neighbours and a ward councillor.

The plan will see the six houses being built on grass land adjacent to current homes in Longwood Copse Lane, with access via Oceana Crescent, in Basingstoke.

The application was met with objections from a number of residents, who raised concerns worries about traffic generation, loss of privacy and the buildings being visually overbearing.

Ward councillor, and deputy leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council (BDBC), Terri Reid, also objected to the plans. In her objection, she said: “I am not confident that access is suitable and will be to the detriment of existing residents.”

However, the proposal was approved by BDBC planning officers at the end of August.

The design and access statement for the proposal reads: "The proposals represent a safe and high quality environment, and all dwellings proposed are flexible and can meet the changing needs of the future occupiers. Sustainable construction techniques will ensure the sustainability of the development."

The houses will take the form of one two bedroom home, two with three bedroom and three with four bedrooms.

Responding to the application on the BDBC planning portal, one current resident at Oceana Crescent, Adrian Gooch, said: “Our main concern is traffic generation, highway safety and parking.

“We have been a resident in Oceana Crescent for many years and parking has always been an issue.

“Parking is tight and the amount of space between parked vehicles is very slim which has a bearing on the traffic entering the area.

“There is a children’s play area near Oceana and many children and their parents enter the park on foot, with more vehicles entering and leaving Oceana surely this would become a health and safety issue with potential for accidents.”

Another resident, Suzie Herridge-Baker wrote: “Is there really a need for further housing when our schools and surgeries cannot cope with the current numbers?”

“The new development will overlook several properties, this will lead to a loss of privacy and will certainly impact on the peaceful enjoyment of many homes and gardens in the area.”

For more information about the application, go to planning.basingstoke.gov.uk/online-applications and search using the reference code 17/02059/FUL.