DEVELOPERS look set to be allowed to build three blocks of flats in the grounds of an historic Basingstoke mansion - despite more than 40 letters of objection from nearby residents.

Today, the borough council's development control committee will be urged by planning officers to allow three three-storey blocks of flats to be built in the grounds of Fieldways in Russell Road, Basingstoke.

Fieldways was the home famous Basingstoke builder Harry Mussellwhite put up for himself - after building a number of houses in the area at the end of the 19th century.

Developers Laing Homes Thames Valley unleashed an avalanche of protest last year when they put in a plan to knock down Fieldways and replace it with flats.

They later put in two alternative plans - each including proposals to retain and refurbish the house.

One plan for a single, huge, four-storey block of 56 flats in the grounds was refused by the development control committee and an appeal is due to be heard by a Government planning inspector in August.

Before this week's committee meeting is a revised plan for three blocks containing only 44 flats for the two-acre site.

Objectors claim that there should be no more than 35 flats and the buildings should be less than three stories.

They also claim that the new development would lead to traffic chaos because Russell Road is a cul-de-sac at the end of Cliddesden Road where there is a large college and theatre.

They suggest that the entrance to Queen Mary's College in Cliddesden Road should be closed and an access to the college made from the nearby ring road.

Julia Townsend-Rose, Cliddesden Residents Association co-ordinator, said: "Both students and residents have a right to a safe environment. Naturally this would cost money - but clearly it would be the right thing to do."

Recommending approval, planning officers have said in a report to the committee that a high-density development like this would be acceptable in principle under Government guidelines.