CONTROVERSIAL plans to build new homes in a residential car park have been withdrawn, after residents waited five months for a decision.

As previously reported in the Gazette, more than 40 people objected to the proposals to build eight new homes in Halliday Close, Cranbourne.

John Dawson, principal urban designer at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council was one of those to object, labelling the development of three houses and a block of five flats in a car park as “cramped and incongruous”.

He added: “I also object to the proposal on the grounds that there would be significant harm to the residential amenity of existing residents and those who would occupy the new units.”

He pointed out that the development would cause “unacceptable levels of overlooking”.

Concerns were also raised by the council’s landscape architect regarding emergency access to the development.

Fran Keith decribed the plans as “unacceptable” adding: “Parking appears to be squeezed in, adding to an already overcrowded street with little provision for extra parking or access for service vehicles.”

Neighbours of the site raised concerns regarding parking problems already existing in the area, which would be exacerbated by the loss of the piece of land which is currently used as a car park.

The plans were submitted in January, and a target for the application to be determined was meant to be March 18.

However, residents were advised that the deadline was not met because the council “has a duty to work with applicants and agents in a proactive and positive manner”.

A council planning officer told residents she had been waiting for confirmation from the applicant on how they wanted to proceed, adding: “I’m sure that you can appreciate that in the current circumstances, many organisations are operating with reduced staffing levels, with the result that things are generally taking longer to progress.”

Paul Alterman, owner of Quadron Properties which submitted the application, previously told the Gazette that the site is not a car park, despite it being described as this in the application.

He added: “Everyone needs more housing and they [the council] wants something done about the land.”

It is not known if he intends to submit a revised application.