PLANS to convert a former care home near Romsey into a house and build two new homes next door could be given the green light next week.

An application was submitted to Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) to demolish part of Kents Oak Rest Home in Kents Oak, Awbridge, and transform it into a four bedroom house.

If approved, the plans would see a total of three houses created, which have been drawn up by English Developments Ltd.

The applicant is also looking to cut three car parking spaces on the site, meaning there will be nine spaces for future residents to use.

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Now, the proposals are set to go before Test Valley's Southern Area Planning Committee on Tuesday.

However, Awbridge Parish Council previously objected to the new houses, believing they are "too large for the size of the plots" and feared the properties would overlook onto "neighbouring bungalows".

They worry a new access point could present problems, claiming it would be "onto the main road in an area with limited visibility", adding it is a road where drivers "speed".

A couple who live in Kents Oak criticised the plans, stating the work to build new homes could damage wildlife in hedgerows and the new entrances could increase the risk of car accidents.

Hazel and Jeremy Roberts said: "The proposed new entrances onto Lockerly Road and the track leading to Butlers Wood Farm both will destroy existing hedgerows, causing damage to wildlife.

"The proposed new entrance onto the track leading to the farm and existing dwellings is one a blind corner, which could be a risk to incident when residents' vehicles and pedestrians are travelling towards the Lockerley road junction."

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Another resident, Lesley Edmonds, stressed if the plans are approved the council should "ensure that any property built on the site has designed water drainage into the lane" and not his property.

"Since the current owners dumped many tons of clay onto the site up to my border this has caused severe drainage problems as a result of the two storms in January," he added.

Cllr Nick Adams-King, who represents Blackwater on TVBC, said: "I am glad it is going to the Southern Area Planning Committee, because neighbours are concerned about the properties overlooking them, as well as drainage issues and the additional three large houses for what is a small plot."

Hampshire Chronicle: Cllr Nick Adams-KingCllr Nick Adams-King

English Developments Ltd declined to comment.