PLANS to build a home in the heart of Winchester have been delayed until a site visit can be carried out.

An application by John Piper at 17 North Walls involved the redesign of the building from a two-storey house to one with a combination of flat-roofed, single-storey sections.

The application was reported to committee due to the number of objections it received.

Among the objections were concerns that the property could worsen problems with flooding in the area, and that it would result in overshadowing.

Jon Brown, of 16 North Walls, said: " It will have severe and adverse impact on various issues including loss of view and sunlight from the back of our house. We would lose a lot of light to the kitchen. The children's bedrooms would become more dark and boxed in.

"Our garden already struggles for light. This will darken an already very dark garden even impacting fruit trees, my workspace, and many aspects of our family life."

Sharon Brown, also of 16 North Walls, added that the application's flood risk assessment was, "grossly misleading and inaccurate."

However, agent Jeremy Tyrrell said the proposal was, "modest in size."

"The design and layout is simple and logical. This application proposal is a high-quality development," he said.

Councillor Ian Tait said: "On balance my inclination is to support this application. However, at the moment my view is I would propose we go and visit the site."

A site visit will take place on February 28.