A DEVELOPER wants to build eight homes in the garden of a Georgian house in Winchester.

Alfred Homes proposes to erect eight houses in the large back garden of Goodworth House, St Cross Road, St Cross.

The scheme consists of consisting of one two-bedroom, three three-bedroom, two four-bedroom and two five-bedroom dwellings.

It would involve creating an access off St Cross Road and the relocation of frontage wall at Goodworth House.

So far there have been seven letters written in support with no objections to the city council planning department.

Nicholas Henderson, of Ranelagh Road, expressed support: “As a long-time resident of St Cross it is pleasing to see such a well thought through development that will add to the character of St Cross.”

Former city councillor and planning consultant Ian Tait: “I know this site particularly well and I have been watching carefully what is being planned here. The earlier scheme didn’t seem to work at all and was something I couldn’t support, however architect Huw Thomas has come up with a much more sympathetic scheme which I feel respects the character and massing of the buildings in the area far better.

“Although it would be great if the garden could be left undeveloped I realise that this is an unrealistic expectation so I think that the current proposals are as good as could be hoped for under the circumstances.

“Whilst I can’t speak for the governors of St Faith’s School (where I am a governor) I welcome, as a private individual, the applicants offer to give over some land to the school which will really help St Faith’s,” added Mr Tait.

The nearest business is St Cross Garage on Cripstead Lane.

Proprietor Tim Venters said he would be unaffected. “I have been here 30 years in July and I didn’t think it would last this long as an open garden space. It is going to be built on sooner or later. It’s a vast open space. But I don’t think some neighbours are happy about it.”