A DEVELOPER is being forced to reduce the size of a controversial block of Locks Heath flats in a conflict over 60cm of roof height.

Planning chiefs in Fareham have ordered Kebbell Homes to lower the roof of the building in Locks Road after impassioned pleas from residents over the "looming" flats at a site visit yesterday.

In a council blunder, the developer was allowed to go ahead and build four blocks of 24 flats up to 60cm taller than originally agreed.

Residents are celebrating a partial victory but now want action taken over the other three blocks - which are also bigger than planning permission allowed - and are taking enforcement action against the firm.

Planning officers advised against the move, which could cost thousands of pounds, believing the council would lose on appeal.

Resident John Bever, whose Field Drive home is overlooked by the flats, said: "They have been built knowingly for financial gain.

"They are riding roughshod over residents and councils."

Harry Weaver, chairman of the Chestnuts Leaseholders Residents' Association, added: "This is not about 60 centimetres, it's about right and wrong. They have done this for commercial gain."

Members of the council's planning committee backed residents' stance over the height, voting seven to one for enforcement action.

Councillor Eric Dunn said: "If we can't take any action on this, what can we take action on? That would mean they can build what they like."

Councillor Brian Bayford said: "Where do we draw the line on taking action? If it's over what's been approved, we should take action.

"We have a responsibility to draw a line somewhere and show developers we are not going to accept anything other than what we have already given permission for."

Councillor David Swanbrow added: "I don't care how we do it, but we have to lower this roof."

Speaking at the meeting, managing director of Kebbell Homes Nick Kebbell blamed inaccuracies in architects' drawings.

He said: "I can only apologise for this series of mistakes.

"It's nothing we have done intentionally to try and gain anything."