A CAMPAIGN to stop the demolition of a historic Victorian house has won strong backing from a vital planner.

The city council is considering the demolition of Prospect House on Magdalen Hill, the former stationmaster’s house for the long-demolished Winchester Chesil Station.

Developer Kevan Netherwood, of the Clydesdale Group, wants to knock down the house and replace it with four new homes.

The proposal, largely unheralded until the Chronicle reported it, has attracted 20 objections and two of support.

The developer says the proposal would “make better use of an under utilised site and create more residential dwellings in a sustainable location”.

The council historic environment officer has responded to the consultation: “The existing building is considered to be a non-designated heritage asset both in terms of its architectural and historic importance and its historic associations.

“In addition, the building makes a positive contribution to the streetscape and the overall character of the Winchester Conservation area. Consequently, I would recommend that the current application be refused as it will cause harm to the character of the non-designated heritage asset and the overall character of the Conservation Area and is at odds with both local and national planning guidance.”

There has been two letters of support.