RESIDENTS have this week been celebrating as proposals to demolish one house and put six in its place were thrown out by planners.

But despite winning the battle, they heard that the war might go on.

The dispute surrounds Chillandham Cross, a detached property with a large garden beside the B3047 road in Martyr Worthy.

Two years ago, Winchester City Council gave its approval in principle for three homes to be built on the land. Last summer, it received another application to build six new houses and to demolish the existing property.

Council officers said it would make efficient use of the site, and would fit in with the nearby houses. Members were less certain, and created a sub-committee to inspect the site and reach a decision.

The group examined Chillandham Cross on Tuesday. Around 30 residents joined them, roughly the same number that wrote to the council opposing the scheme. All interested parties then converged on the Guildhall to make their arguments.

Alison Matthews, who chairs Itchen Valley Parish Council, said the scheme was inappropriate for a small village. "You saw how many people turned up to the site meeting, which shows the level of concern in the area," she added.

Neighbours also raised concerns about increased traffic, light pollution, drainage, and dangers to pedestrians trying to walk along the B3047 to Itchen Abbas.

After the residents had finished their verbal barrage, the sub-committee joined the assault. Liberal Democrat, Cecily Sutton, said the developers were trying to "squash" too many houses onto the site.

Conservative member, Anne Saunders, thought their tightly-packed nature would clash with the rest of Martyr Worthy.

Party colleague and mayor, Neil Baxter, who represents the area on the council, said local services could not cope with more homes. "We have a school in Itchen Abbas that is completely full," he added.

Members then voted unanimously against the project, but advised residents not to celebrate too soon.

Independent, Georgina Busher, who chaired the sub-committee, said the plans could still resurface. "I'm not saying that it has all gone away, for we may face an appeal."

Labour group leader, Patrick Davies, was also concerned that the approval in principle for three homes at the site was likely to weaken the case. "What I'm very worried about is this going to appeal and us losing," he added.

After the meeting, the agents for the applicant, Mr D. Lowes, said they had not decided whether to challenge the decision.