Plans to build emergency accommodation for the homeless in Petersfield Òwould create a ghettoÓ, according to a leading town councillor.

Speaking at a packed council chamber, Ken Hick denounced plans to build 12 flats at a site on Woolner Avenue.

Residents near the proposed development are up in arms about the plans and turned out in force to hear the project discussed by Petersfield Town CouncilÕs planning committee.

Mr Hick told members that he thought the proposals showed a lack of respect to those neighbouring the site.

ÒWhat is proposed here to my mind would create a ghetto,Ó he said.

Drum Housing wants to build two blocks of flats to the rear of Woods House to provide accommodation for single people of all ages who have a housing need and a connection with the district.

Six one-bed flats would be built for single persons or couples, with a second block of six flatlets providing temporary homes for single persons.

But Mr Hick said that this was over-intensive use of the land.

ÒI feel so sad that a housing association that has the respect of a lot of inhabitants of this town should rather carelessly throw this lot on the ground. What we should say is go back to the drawing board.Ó

Residents next to the site are furious after they were told of the planning application on the December 20.

John Fletcher, a resident of North Road, said in a letter to The Herald: ÒIf agreed, this proposal would dump an intensive pocket of back-land development into, and upsetting the equilibrium of, an established, stable, law-abiding community, many residents being retired and elderley.Ó

Drum Housing has defended its plans and said in a statement: ÒAs a registered social landlord, one of DHAÕs aims is to provide affordable housing for people in need who are unable to secure their own homes. This is a particular problem in East Hampshire, and one that causes many difficulties for many people throughout the district.Ó

ÒLocal residentsÕ concerns about the environmental impact of this scheme are extremely important to DHA, and such issues have been central in the planning and design stage.Ó

Bjorn Howard, director

of operations at DHA,

added: ÒAt Drum Housing Association, we have extensive experience of developing new housing that is in harmony with the local environment.

ÒThis is in terms of both the building and, as importantly, our long-

term commitment to the management of our new housing schemes.Ó