COUNCILLORS are being urged to stand firm and reject the latest proposals for redevelopment of the Hampshire Police headquarters at Winchester.

Having already rejected a scheme to demolish the 1960s tower block in Romsey Road and replace it with 300 homes, city planners are today (Thursday) due to discuss a revised application that proposes just six homes fewer.

With several issues remaining unresolved and residents still unhappy, officers are controversially recommending approval.

The constabulary has been wrestling with the planners for three years, originally asking to refurbish the building. Last year, it changed tack and sought approval to replace it with housing.

On each occasion, Winchester City Council has called for extra details or refused permission altogether.

Police challenged the decision over the refurbishment scheme, but the result went against them following a public inquiry last year.

Hampshire Police Authority, which is making the application on behalf of the force, is now concentrating on the housing plan instead.

Councillors discussed the idea last summer and, while making some positive noises, requested more details.

The force is today due to put its latest proposals before the planning committee and council officers are recommending approval.

That would not mean the immediate demolition of the police HQ, as the application is for outline permission.

What it will do, however, is bring the scheme a step closer, making the site more attractive to developers and swelling its value.

The recommendation of council officers to back the idea has angered the City of Winchester Trust.

While keen to see the back of the police HQ, which topped its list of the city's ugliest buildings, the group is also unhappy about its possible replacement.

Having opposed the scheme for 300 homes last year on grounds of size and density, it argues that the new plan, for 294 properties, is no better.

Pat Edwards, who chairs the trust, added that the homes would probably look more like the neighbouring prison than nearby houses.

"I would have thought that Winchester deserves better," she said.

Many residents have also slammed the scheme, with nearly 50 people writing letters of objection.

Neighbours are upset about the design, size and density of the proposed buildings and fear they will overlook nearby houses.

They are also concerned that the new homes will place added strain on local infrastructure, such as roads and schools.

Residents are also worried about the mobile phone masts, owned by Vodafone, Airwave and MMO2, which are fixed to the police HQ roof. The authority would be obliged to ensure that they remain in place whatever happens.

However, it hasn't yet indicated how this might be achieved and council officers are also unhappy, stressing that the issue must be resolved before full permission can be considered.

Mike Attenborough-Cox, who chairs the police authority, said he was still optimistic.

He welcomed the officers' recommendation of approval, adding that council members were also supportive when it was discussed "in embryo".

Mr Attenborough-Cox added that no potential sites for a replacement HQ had yet been identified.