Plans for a new house in King' Somborne were deferred by councillors due to proposed tree replacements.

The house, next to Hillview, Romsey Road, was not approved by Test Valley Borough Council's southern area planning committee.

Members deferred the plan on Tuesday so that the applicant could provide a new landscape plan.

This was because the original proposal was to remove some of the surrounding trees and replant them. Despite this being accepted the the council's tree officer, the committee had concerns over the time they would take to grow.

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The applicant, Mark Horscroft, said: “The case officer confirmed to us that the design of the house is in keeping with the character of the area. The tree officer is satisfied with the impact on the local trees, little ecological value.”

Cllr Tony Ward asked the applicant why the trees would be removed.

Mr Horscroft said: “The tree officer said they were low quality. We are replanting them at significant cost and will enhance the street scene.”

Cllr Ward explained that the replacements would take a long time to grow and would be missed by the local community.

Cllr Celia Dowden said: “The removal of the trees has made us question the design of the building. It's not appropriate for the site, we should demand better. People will be looking at the building for many years before the trees which will be planted soften the view.”

The committee unanimously agreed to defer the plan so that the applicant could proved a new landscape plan.

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