CIVIC chiefs have unanimously rejected controversial plans to build 14 new homes on the site of two bungalows in Hedge End.

Eastleigh councillors labelled developers Pride Homes "greedy" for trying to squeeze so many homes on to the bulldozed site at 12/14 Lower St Helens Road.

The scheme featured four detached chalet bungalows and ten semi-detached two-storey homes.

Hedge End Town Council objected to the application which also drew 16 letters of objection from residents concerned about over-development, pollution and noise.

Residents turned out in force for the council's Hedge End, West End and Botley Local Area Committee meeting including Enid Lamb, who told councillors they were concerned about the density, drainage, sewerage and the lack of play space for children living in the new homes.

She added: "We have bats there and slow-worms and many varieties of birds whose habitat will be destroyed by the vast amount of concrete."

Senior planning officer Ruth Harding said despite the objections, a more dense form of development than currently existed was acceptable because it made more efficient use of brownfield land. But she said the submitted plans were too cramped and failed to preserve the visual and residential amenities of the area.

There were also "significant" environmental issues that needed to be resolved and recommended refusal.

Councillor Jane Welsh said it was a foregone conclusion that infill was going to happen in Hedge End, adding that longer gardens in the Upper and Lower St Helens Road area were a target for developers.

But she said a cul-de-sac development of fewer homes would have been more in keeping.

"Once again, it is greedy developers coming along and trying to cram as much into Hedge End as they possibly can."

Eastleigh mayor Councillor June Hughes said: "This is really too large and too overwhelming."

No one from Pride Homes was at the committee meeting. When contacted by the Daily Echo no one from the company was available for comment.