Residents of an Andover suburb are up in arms over plans to construct a bungalow in a back garden.

Hampshire Land and Lettings, a land developer and lettings agency, has submitted plans to Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) to build a three bedroom bungalow in the gardens of 119 and 121 Barlows Lane.

However, residents living nearby have raised concerns over the impact a new development will have on traffic and parking in the area, as well as the impact on wildlife.

The plans would see the construction of a three bedroom bungalow facing onto Chestnut Lane, near its junction with Barlows Lane. Spaces for two cars would be made available, as well as a garden.

However, residents of the area are concerned that the plans will add to an existing “problem with parking” in the area, which they say has led to cars parking down Chestnut Avenue.

Marjorie Pearce said: “To add another access would only add to an already very busy junction. Opposite the proposed build, there are two parking bays and double yellow lines on both sides of the pavement, and only one side to walk on. This is used by families going to Rooksbury park and it is the main bus route and parents taking the children to the local school.”

Jinny Cardew shared her concerns, saying: “My concern is that being a main bus route, and all the cars parking opposite the property and with only one path, the road is not wide enough for the bus to get through now with the property opposite.

“That is a near miss waiting to happen when this is the only way to the park and on a school run too.”

Hampshire County Council have also raised issues with the proposals, though have not objected at this stage. Hampshire Highways have said the current parking plans “need amending” as one of the spaces is right against a boundary wall, and they have also asked for further evidence of how cars will be able to get in and out safely, while remaining visible for other road users.

In response, the developers have said there is “generous manoeuvring space” and “excellent visibility” at the proposed access.

David Clark has meanwhile suggested a compromise, by putting a new path on the bungalow’s side of Chestnut Avenue as a planning condition.

“Currently the part of Chestnut Avenue that is facing the property entrance has no public footway,” he said. “Would this be an opportunity to create a public footway that is needed as a condition of approval?”

Impacts on the environment have also been raised, with Eileen Robinson saying: “It will take away natural habitat for wildlife. I moved to this area several years ago and have enjoyed the pleasant surroundings.

“Building a bungalow, in my opinion, on this plot will be detrimental to me and my neighbours.”

However, tree officers from TVBC have said that as submitted, they are satisfied with the plans to avoid an impact on trees in the area, which include tree protection fencing being put in for the remaining trees which are not to be removed. There are also no bats on the site.

The plans are currently being considered by TVBC officers, and will be decided on in due course. If you would like to have your say on the plans, search TVBC’s planning site with the reference: 21/00864/FULLN.