CONTENTIOUS plans for scores of homes on the northern edge of Winchester have been unveiled.

Redrow Homes displayed its proposals for 89 homes at Abbotts Barton to local residents this week at Winchester Rugby Club.

The developer says that the development at Francis Gardens is on a site reserved for housing and that it would bring much-needed affordable homes to Winchester.

However, opponents say that it would create extra traffic and ruin the environment.

Andrew West, technical director of Redrow Homes South, said: "Francis Gardens is a good location for new and affordable housing. It is close to the city centre, can be easily integrated with existing residential areas and allows for the creation of an ecology park."

More than a third of the scheme would be affordable homes, with half the dwellings being either one- or two-bedroom properties. Flats up to two-and-a-half storeys would be put in the centre of the site, with a ring of smaller-sized homes circling them.

About half the site would be designated open space, which architects say would create a buffer between the development and Winnall Moors.

The company hopes to submit a request for outline planning permission to the city council at the beginning of February.