Planners block rooms plans (From This is Hampshire)

Planners block rooms plans

7:37am Friday 30th July 2010 in

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CONTENTIOUS moves to convert a Winchester family home into 11 separate rooms have been blocked.

Planning members threw out proposals for a property in Chilbolton Avenue amid fears it would change the locality’s character.

It comes as the new coalition government looks to implement new, less-stringent rules on houses of multiple occupancy (HMOs).

Yet councillors unanimously rejected this latest scheme at a meeting of Winchester City Council’s planning committee.

Cllr Ray Peace, rejecting the scheme, said: “I think it would set a precedent.

“I have seen the changes and devastation of Chilbolton Avenue over the years and I have got some sympathy for residents.”

Cllr Barry Lipscomb said: “This is for short-term residency – I think it’s entirely appropriate for residents to fear for the character of their area.”

Cllr Therese Evans said: “It will impact on the character of the area to the detriment of the neighbours. It’s a commercial venture in a residential area.”