UP TO 23 homes could be built on a former car showroom site in Odiham.

Linden Homes has submitted a plan to demolish the former Wood BMW showroom and build 19 homes and four apartments in its place.

Wood BMW left the site in May this year to move into its new premises in Griffin Way South in Hook.

As reported in The Gazette, Odiham Parish Council agreed in July to break its convention and speak to the developer before the plan was submitted.

The 0.66-hectare site is on High Street but stretches back to the village’s deer park.

The application states the current car showroom site is “out of sympathy” with other buildings in High Street as it is not listed and relatively modern.

It said: “The removal of the existing buildings and redevelopment of the site represents an excellent opportunity to preserve and enhance the historic and commercial core of Odiham.”

The application adds that the site is likely to have mediaeval remains and that a further archaeological survey can be conducted after planning permission is approved.

It also says a “neighbourhood store” could also be built on the site, in addition to the houses, to create jobs in the village.

Hart District Council will decide on the application by February 7 next year.