MORE houses are planned for one of Winchester's most exclusive streets just months after residents lost a battle to see off another controversial development.

Abbotswood Properties has applied for permission to demolish 1-7 Chilbolton Avenue and build 49 homes on the site.

Only last November city bosses approved a 50-home infill development at numbers 8-22 Chilbolton Avenue despite a storm of protest from local residents.

More than 100 letters of objection flooded in to the city council, saying the development would cause problems with open space, road safety, local facilities and the removal of trees.

After the plans were approved Chilbolton Avenue resident Anthony O'Dowd, who had spoken out against the plans, branded the decision "disgraceful".

Now residents have another battle on their hands to preserve the quiet character of their street. St Paul ward councillor Ray Pearce who represents Chilbolton Avenue said he was very concerned about the new application.

"All this infill is going to cause chaos," he said. "It's going to change the character of the area which is such a lovely part of Winchester. That builders and developers can come along and just put in applications is wrong.

"We should be able to protect this unique area."

Mr Pearce said he had received letters from worried residents.

Abbotswood Properties said the development had been specifically designed to reflect the character of the neighbourhood and respond to local housing needs.