A FORMER care home is set to become flats after councillors voted to approve proposals.

The plans, for the The Tiled House care home in Shawford, near Winchester, is now set to become 15 flats, with room for 26 parking space.

Operating as a care home since the 1970s, the site has remained vacant since it closed down in October, but will become a mix of one and two-bedroom flats.

However, a number of objections had been lodged against the scheme over fears their was not enough parking on the site, which would result in travel chaos.

Winchester City Council’s planning committee heard that a proposal for more parking had been raised by developers, but planning officers said it was not necessary as it would encourage on the residents’ amenity.

Councillor questioned why the opportunity to ease concerns over parking had not been taken, but were told that their was already sufficient parking according to council guidelines.

In response, Cllr Brian Laming said: “We do need an element of common sense here.”

Other objections lodged included claims that the development would be out of keeping with the area due to its high density and that it would result in the loss of a chance to enhance the area, with Compton and Shawford Parish Council among those to have lodged concerns.

The plans were approved by five votes to one.