A HOUSING developer which wanted to reject a name because it sounded too similar to a British sitcom character has been ‘overruled’.

Cala Homes, which is building new houses in Park Road in Winchester, originally did not want the name Voysey Court, after the famous architect and designer Charles Voysey.

It said that it didn’t want people to associate the name with Boycie, of Only Fools and Horses, and instead opted for Clarendon Court.

It prompted the actor himself, John Challis, to demand an apology.

Now Winchester City Council has announced that ward councillors Dominic Hiscock, Sue Nelmes and Jim Maynard have approved the name Voysey Court.

When the Daily Echo told Mr Challis of the decision, he said: “I am delighted that common sense has prevailed.

Me and Marlene had been dreaming of a housing development called Boycie Meadows.”

Resident Chris Sealey, 73, retired, who criticised Cala Homes for the “ridiculous” association, said that he is “delighted”.

“It’s right that significant figures from our cultural history like Charles Voysey are acknowledged in this way,” he said.

“I hope that Cala Homes will see this as lending distinction to their development and I can assure them that it has been a long time since anyone has seen a yellow Reliant Robin in these parts.”

A spokeswoman for Cala Homes said that the company is “happy with the selected name” but did not comment on whether Mr Challis would be invited to the opening.