DEVELOPERS are pushing ahead with plans to replace a former Winchester Peugeot garage with housing.

Bargate Homes has submitted an application to the city council to build 14 homes at the Southgate Peugeot site in St Cross Road.

It includes demolishing most of the existing buildings but retaining a coach house built in the 1860s.

The City of Winchester Trust campaigned to preserve the old buildings in March because they were an important feature in the city.

Angus Cook, managing director of Fair Oak-based Bargate, said they took this into account and consulted with the trust over the site.

He said: “We went to see the trust with our plans and they were very well received. Their views always form part of our process and we always go and see them if we are putting in an application.

“This is a prime location and an incredibly important site. It is one of the last parts of this area to be improved and is overdue for it.”

The coach house would be converted into two homes, one four-bed and one three-bed, while three four-bed, seven two-bed and two three-bed dwellings would be built, along with parking.

The Southgate Group folded in late 2011 with more than 100 jobs lost across Hampshire and Dorset and efforts to find a buyer to continue the garage failed.

It is currently being used by Timberline Furniture which moved onto the site on a short-term licence in July.

The application will be decided by a council planning committee in the next few months.