CHERITON Parish Council has requested that the Freeman’s Yard scheme be decided by the city council’s full planning committee.

The scheme for the former builders’ yard, disused for nearly 20 years, involves the demolition of buildings on the site including an historic but unlisted barn.

Originally the barn was to be retained but fresh plans now envisage its destruction. The scheme proposes 20 homes, mainly four and five bedroom ones.

Concerns have been raised about the need for smaller homes and social housing on the land off School Lane, as well as the loss of the planned offices/live-work units.