PLANS for nine new homes have come under fire from residents saying it would be an overdevelopment of the site and would result in ‘potentially devastating pollution’ being caused to a nearby lake.

Irongate Developments has returned with a second planning application to demolish stables and construct nine new houses at land off Goch Way, Charlton.

Its previous plan was withdrawn in November last year after concerns were raised by a Test Valley Borough Council planning officer and a Hampshire Highways officer. The application also sparked criticism from a number of residents.

Now, Irongate Developments has lodged another proposal, stating that changes have been made including the minor repositioning of vehicular access to the site which enables two trees to remain, along with the widening of the access and submission of arboricultural evidence to define a tree protection plan.

READ MORE: Environmental concerns surround plans for nine new homes near cherished Andover Lake

Despite the changes, the application has still seen a number of objections lodged, including one from Edward Webb who has owned and stewarded Charlie’s Lake near the proposed site for the past three decades.

He said: “I strongly object to the re-submission of the above planning application, there has been some minor amendments which in no way addresses the main issues within this development plan which are outlined below.”

Mr Webb, who runs a fishing business from the lake and a café adjacent to the site, continued: “The fact that the proposed development is on a site where all drainage water and the potential for raw sewage entering a pristine water course should have been rejected out of hand on the first application. I can see a real threat here to our business and the wider environment, it is without doubt that this proposed development will cause great harm.”

Mr Webb previously said he has invested years of effort and resources into the lake, nurturing a thriving community of native fish, with some carps worth up to £3,000.

He estimates the total value of the fish at a substantial £100,000.

SEE ALSO: Developer's third bid for homes in countryside rejected and deemed 'unjustified'

Another resident, Noel Roberts, of Shipton Bellinger, said: “My objection is based on the environmental and ecological impact to the spring fed lake, its natural wildlife and surrounding trees and hedgerows posed by this proposed development.

“The very fact that the lake lies within such close proximity and lower than the proposed development exposes the lake to a high risk of noise light and chemical pollution not only during construction but also the ongoing risks from the dwellings after completion.”

While Claire Gentry, who lives near the proposed site, wrote: “We will be affected due to the positioning of these dwellings from noise and light pollution, but the astronomical affect on the wildlife will be irreversible.

“This will be too close to the lake and will affect night time wildlife due to the light and noise pollution.”

The application has garnered some support, with Philip Mills, of Andover, writing: “I would like to offer my support to the above planning application. I believe the proposed development of nine medium size houses would bring much needed housing to an otherwise unsightly area at the edge of the village. This positive use would improve the visual appearance and should benefit the whole area.”

While Jane Bates, also of Andover, said: “I'm excited to see this planning application for the construction of nine new houses in this charming village adjacent to where I live.

“This development project not only aligns with the village's housing needs but also contributes positively to the community and local economy. The proposed houses appear to have been meticulously designed to harmonise with the surrounding architecture and landscape, maintaining the village's unique character and heritage.”

If approved, six three-bedroom and three four-bedroom homes will be built on the site.

The developer states in its application: “This proposal for nine dwellings is made in the context of the government’s requirement to boost housing land supply.

“The proposal responds positively to the minimum housing requirement with these family homes in a walkable location in the urban area with good access to local services, facilities and public transport.”