TOWN councillors have backed a developers’ third bid to expand Picket Piece.

Members of Andover Town Council’s planning committee met on Monday, July 9, to discuss plans by Foreman Homes to build 22 homes on an area north of 10 Walworth Road.

The proposal was lodged with Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) just five months after a similar proposal was turned down for several reasons including a concern that the layout did not provide adequate or convenient parking and visitor parking.

At the meeting, town mayor Councillor Barbara Long said that there were still concerns regarding the proposal, but she could not see a reason why it would be refused this time.

“This piece of land, I know, has had a number of applications on it and has been refused in the past. I think it would be very difficult to say he shouldn’t be allowed to build on it.”

Cllr Long highlighted the change in parking arrangements, with developers altering spaces - 44 of which are allocated with the remainder for visitor use - from the previous plan.

“There is obviously nowhere on the road to park so visitors will have five spaces and that is it. There is going to be nowhere else for them to park within the development,” Cllr Long added.

She added that it will be “quite tight” for cars to manoeuvre around the housing estate, with Lib Dem councillor Luigi Gregori in agreement.

But members agreed to not oppose the plans and instead decided to put forward their views to the borough council.

Despite lodging a new bid for the development, with “extensively revised” plans, Foreman Homes has also launched an appeal on its previous application with the Planning Inspectorate.

The developers are arguing against the borough council’s earlier decision, with a hearing due to take place on August 8 and 9 following the submission of comments from interested parties.

To view the latest plans go to TVBC’s planning portal and search for 18/01558/FULLN.