PLANS to build nine homes Romsey have been delayed, it has been revealed.
A planning application was submitted to Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) to build a mix of two, three and four bedroom homes in Cupernham Lane.
If approved the applicant, Stratland Estates Limited, would create 23 parking spaces as part of the plans.
Now, the plans have been delayed after planning chiefs were meant to decide on the application on Tuesday, July 14.
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It is thought the delay has been caused by nitrogen pollution in the Solent, which has caused a backlog in planning applications.
It was revealed nitrogen from housing wastewater and agricultural sources accelerated the growth of algae, which is believed to be damaging protected wildlife habitats and bird species around the straight that separates the Isle of Wight and England.
This comes after residents slammed the plans, claiming it could harm animals using the Fishlake Meadows site.
A critic of the controversial application also believes the new homes could increase noise and air pollution in the area.
One resident criticised the plans due to the location being "virtually the last wildlife corridor for those birds and animals using the Fishlake Meadows site".
Roger Bunney, who lives Grayling Mead, said: "The proposed development offers little environmental enhancement in its overdeveloped layout for the site size.
"The loss of mature trees further degrades the area and the eastern outskirts of the town are resembling planning destruction similar to new development areas of Eastleigh Borough Council."
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He added: "Continuous development has caused both noise and air pollution in residential areas and major congestion with Romsey town centre.
"Many streets are polluted and continuing development will only increase these problems within streets designed and constructed going back into the 19th century."
Another resident said: "If the development goes ahead there will be a continuous 'urban' barrier between the Fishlake Meadows Nature Reserve and the lands east of Cupernham Lane.
"This has implications for the movement and health of the wildlife in this immediate area."
As reported, Cllr Dorothy Baverstock, who represents Romsey Cupernham on the borough council, criticised the plans claiming the homes could make the area overdeveloped.
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She said: "I always get very suspicious when things come in like that because they could build the 23 spaces and one of those homes could be used to set up a business.
"It could be a person who was wanted to have a business there and they need to have more spaces, so people can bomb in and out of the area.
"My worry is Cupernham Lane is now becoming a place that is just as active on planning applications as Abbotswood."
TVBC and Stratland Estates Limited have been contacted for comment.
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