A CONTROVERSIAL application for a detached dwelling with integral double garage on land at Holly Close, Headley Down, has received the 'thumbs down' from East Hampshire planners. Submitted by Requisite Property Services, the application to build a detached chalet-style bungalow within the curtilage of Kipling – an existing bungalow located at the end of the Holly Close cul-de-sac – had attracted more than 24 letters of objection, and equally strong opposition from Headley Parish Council. Speaking on behalf of the objectors, at last Thursday's meeting of East Hampshire District Council's north planning committee, local resident Wendy Le Clerk said that in their opinion the proposed two-storey building was out of keeping with surrounding single storey properties. Furthermore, the land was slightly elevated, which would exacerbate the height of the building and would invade the privacy of neighbouring properties. Headley parish councillor Robin Hall pointed out that the plot size had been artificially contrived in order to get around the H10 policy, which dictates all plot sizes should exceed 0.07 hectares. The Kipling properties would use a shared drive, and this, he said, did not conform to the spirit of H10. Other councillors agreed, voting five to nine against officer recommendation for permission citing the site would be out of character with the surrounding area.
