A SCHEME to build 15 homes at Ampfield has won the backing of borough councillors.

Mr A English’s plans also include building two office units at the Broadgate Farm site off Hook Road.

Test Valley’s southern area planning committee unanimously approved the scheme which includes 11 houses and four flats.

Ampfield Parish Council also supported the proposals along with the majority of neighbours.

During the debate on the application borough councillor Martin Hatley, who lives in Ampfield, said: “When a public exhibition was held at the village hall, residents living near the site thought the proposals were a planning gain and I think this is the general view of residents in the village.”

Valley Park’s Alan Dowden who is Ampfield’s county councillor also welcomed the proposals. “I think that it’s a good opportunity to provide more small scale homes in the village. It is rare not to get lots of objections to houses being built,” said Mr Dowden.

The applicant’s agent, Paul Airey, said the brownfield site previously had industrial uses but this was “no longer” viable. He added that the proposed homes would sit in an area that would “not be detrimental” to the village.

Mr A Farrell, who lives at nearby Broadgate House, supported the plans but did have some concerns that the proposed offices could overlook his home which was built more than a century ago.

Ampfield Parish Council Alan Clark told the committee that the scheme would “enhance” the Hook Road area of the village.