PLANNERS are backing a scheme to put 23 homes on a former railway cutting near Winchester.

City council officers have recommended councillors approve plans for the Alresford site when they are considered today.

More than two-dozen householders have objected to the proposals for the cutting, which sits between Bridge Road and New Farm Road.

A similar scheme, for 24 homes, was rejected in September 2008.

Objectors say the scheme is an over-development of the plot, the design of homes is out of keeping with Alresford and that the homes would destroy the site’s ecology.

Andrea Swain, a planning officer, said in a report: “The proposals are not materially harmful to the amenities of neighbours and they include open spaces that will help to contribute to the amenity of the residents of the development.”

In defence of its proposal, Chalkbank Estates said it had “thoroughly addressed all outstanding issues” in the latest scheme, which would provide a “sensitive, high quality development solution to this problem site”.

It said it avoided the need for development of more ecologically valuable greenfield land outside the town.