A scheme to bulldoze 10 garages in Winchester to make way for two new bungalows has been approved by city planners.

The garages are on land behind Greenhill Road in Fulflood.

South Winchester Properties want to build two semi-detached bungalows, which would occupy around the same amount of space as the garages.

Nine residents wrote to the city council protesting about the scheme; they said the plot was too small and the access road too narrow while they also feared a loss of privacy for nearby homes.

Officers said traffic would be much less with two bungalows than 10 garages.

Planners heard that few of the garages were in use, which the residents said was because the rents were too high.

Liberal-Democrat member, Jacqueline Porter, said she had driven to the plot and found it very cramped.

"I tried to drive my car forwards into the site, turn around, and leave it forwards. I couldn't do it, the site was too narrow."

Conservative member, Michael Read, added: "I think it's inappropriate to have two homes on a plot of land which is just too small."

His views were not shared by his Conservative colleague, Ian Tait, who referred to the garages as "hideous".

He added: "In difficult and trying conditions, the applicants have put together a very imaginative scheme."

Labour group leader, Patrick Davies, said: "If the Highway Authority is satisfied the drive is adequate and the area for turning is enough, who are we to argue?"