PLANS for nine new homes in a sought-after area of Winchester have been turned down despite receiving several letters of support.

Civic chiefs refused a development from Drew Smith Homes, which included seven three-bed and two four-bed homes at Chilbolton Avenue.

Despite the buildings' favourable modern design, labelled by one supporter as "exciting", and the need for housing in the area, councillors denied the application.

Officers said the layout, scale, height and mass, did not fall in line with the Chilbolton Avenue Local Area Design Statement, and the development would be detrimental on amenities as there would be no provision for affordable housing.

There were three objections citing issue with the development being too close to the trees, being too dense and too high, and the increase of traffic on an already very busy road.

Jeremy Tyrell, the agent, said the development would have a lasting impact on the city "which we could all be proud of".

"It responds to the topography of the site," he said. "Much development has taken place along Chilbolton Avenue over the last 10 years, and it responds to the current context and current policies. When compare to neighbouring Connaught Square it is within scale, less of a height and no more stories."

Councillors voted to refuse the application, seven to two.