Approval recommended for controversial homes

Developer Bewley Homes wants to build a mix of one-bedroomed "affordable" flats and two, three and four-bedroomed houses on an orchard, garden and paddock belonging to Grade Two-listed Cedar Tree House, in the North Warnborough Conservation Area.

However, Odiham Parish Council has objected on the grounds that the proposed access on to The Street could pose a safety hazard, plus concerns about flooding and the development being out of keeping with the rest of the Conservation Area.

More than 100 letters of objection have been sent to the council, and residents organised a public meeting last month to highlight their concerns.

The Gazette also reported earlier this month how 10-year-old Abi Catt, from Queen's Road, had penned a heartfelt poem begging Bewley Homes not to cut down any trees.

However, in a report to be considered by the council on July 23, planning officer Nicky Cottrell recommends that the scheme is desirable in the light of the Government's aim to "make the best use of land suitable for development".

She adds: "The appearance of the dwellings is appropriate to the character of the North Warnborough Conservation Area, and retains an adequate setting to the listed buildings."

She has also recommended that a second application, for Listed Building Consent to alter the front boundary wall at Cedar Tree House, be approved.

The news was greeted with anger by some North Warnborough residents, and Roger Clarke, of Buffins Lane, who helped organise last month's protest meeting, told The Gazette he was "flabbergasted" as the report "overlooks the key issue of highway safety".

Mr Clarke said many residents would attend the meeting of Hart District Council's planning committee on July 23, when the applications will be considered.

The meeting, starting at 7pm, will be held at the Hart District Council offices in Fleet.