A PLAN to convert a former car showroom site in Odiham into 23 new homes has been deferred.

The planning committee at Hart District Council said the current plan was too cramped for the village and asked developer Linden Homes to come up with changes.

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

The plan included demolishing the Odiham buildings and constructing 19 houses and four apartments, as well as a “neighbourhood store” that was due to be occupied by The Co-operative.

Members of the planning committee raised concerns about housing density, as well as the number of parking spaces, the provision of parking in High Street, and turning arrangements on the site.

Linden Homes was told to come up with amended plans or the committee would refuse permission. But it did state it was not against the principle of developing the site.

Councillor Helen Fleming, of Odiham Parish Council, spoke at the meeting against the application, stating that parking spaces provided were less than Hart’s current guidelines.

Afterwards, she told The Gazette: “We were very pleased with the result. We know it’s going to be developed because it is inside the settlement boundary.

“Parking on the High Street is such a sensitive issue and we do not want something to make it worse.”

Conservation area consent was granted to demolish the former car showroom buildings.