Bursledon home could be replaced with seven-bed modernist house

A planning application has been submitted to Eastleigh Borough Council to build a new seven-bed home at Cherry Court on Salterns Lane, Old Bursledon.

It comes after a structural survey found the main roof of the current house is dangerous and requires replacement.

The entirety of the existing flat roof area to the rear of the house has also been condemned.

Artist impression for the proposed elevation. Image: Eastleigh Borough Council/Wessex Planning

The planning application says that all windows are single-paned, and the house has no wall or roof insulation and rising damp.

The hot water and central heating boiler is said to be older than the applicant, Mr P Reilly, and has an asbestos-lined flue.

The application, which has drawn several objections from neighbours, said that Mr Reilly’s family has six school-aged children, two of whom have special needs, and that grandparents regularly stay with the family to assist with child care.

This plot was thought to provide the opportunity for a new self-build, lifetime home for the large family and for carers and visitors to be “sufficiently comfortable” for extended stays.

The new home would accommodate over three floors, boasting a kitchen, dining room, utility bathroom, toilet and two bedrooms on the ground floor.

On the plant floor, a lounge, kitchen/bar, study games room, toilet, plant room and one ensuite bedroom would be built.

Artist impression for the proposed elevation. Image: Eastleigh Borough Council/Wessex Planning

The first floor would include two ensuite bedrooms, two further bedrooms and a bathroom.

There would be six car parking spaces with enough space to turn and leave the drive without having to reverse onto the road.

A planning statement said that the new architectural design is “modern” and “more sustainable” and incorporates architectural references to nautical elements on its river face.

However, more than 10 neighbours have objected, with comments including the plan would increase the building size “massively” in an area of conservation.

Dr David Gorrod said as part of the council consultation exercise: “This proposal is for a massive increase in the size of this building. It is highly visible from the road and the public footpath along the east side of the river. The present building is in good condition and should not be demolished.”

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Jeffery Mannion said: “This area of Bursledon is a conservation area, and as such, buildings of this size and style are completely at odds with the meaning of conservation.

“Conservation should mean keeping structures and buildings within their original style. This proposal does not fit this description at all.

“Overall, the impact on local views will be far greater than stated. The view from the river and saltings will also be impacted in a detrimental way.”

To address residents’ concerns, Wessex Planning, on behalf of the applicant, said that the overall house increase calculation is 20.19 per cent, not exceeding the 25 per cent stated on the objections.

The application is set to go before the planning committee on September 5.