Winchester planners have blitzed a plan to convert the historic Royal Observer Corps base into homes.

Southampton based Bayview Developments wanted to turn the Second World War building into four homes and build 18 other houses around it.

After inititial widespread opposition, the developers won round many opponents and a sub-committee backed the plan earlier this month. But the planning committee rejected the plans for the site on Abbotts Road.

Councillors said the proposed density was too high and the design did not fit in with the surrounding area. Many councillors expressed the view that the site would be a lot easier to develop if the 1940s building was demolished.

However, conservation officer Hazel Brushett said English Heritage would not back down on the grade II listing and refused to have the building demolished on the grounds of its historical importance.

Residents of Abbotts Way and surrounding roads, although they wanted some develop-

ment on the site, were opposed to the current plans.

Geoff Bruty, a resident of nearby Manningford Close, said: "If this is built it will be a hideous development, totally out of character with this area of Winchester. "

Michael Underwood, architect, speaking for the developers said: "Every effort has been made to reconcile members' comments and those of the residents."