PLANS to build new homes in gardens in Winchester's most exclusive street look set to get the go-ahead.

Planners are geared up to approve an application to build 12 new two and three bedroom homes in Sleepers Hill where properties can fetch more than £1million.

Neighbours and a city heritage group have objected to Beechcroft Developments plan to build three and four storey terraces at Enniskerry in the exclusive private road.

Planning permission for a similar scheme was granted two years ago and officers will recommend the city council's planning committee give the scheme the go-ahead at a meeting tomorrow. Heritage group the City of Winchester Trust has also objected to the plans, saying the development would have an institutional feel.

The height and bulk of the building is they claim out of character.

About 15 neighbours have also written to the city council and objections include problems with drainage, the local road being inadequate and the design being over dominant and out of character.

In a report to be presented to planners at the meeting, officers have said the scheme's impact on the area is acceptable.

"The height of the proposed building is similar to that of the demolished building and does not exceed the previous ridge height," the report states.

Last August planners threw out a bid from Beechcroft Developments to build a large terraced development at Enniskerry but officers say the reasons for refusal have been addressed and the new scheme should be given the go-ahead.

If the plans are approved city bosses will ask the developer for a £1,197 contribution towards providing better public open space facilities.