CONTROVERSIAL plans to build 23 new homes in Alresford are still hanging in the balance.

Despite recommendations from city council officers, councillors failed to reach a decision over the former railway cutting.

Councillors will revisit the site, between Bridge Road and New Farm Road, on June 22.

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

Nearly 30 householders have objected to the plans and some spoke out at a recent meeting.

Dominic Irvine said: “This haven of tranquility provides a breathing space for the surrounding houses.

“This is no more a brownfield site than a swimming pool can be considered a pond.

“This is a recipe for a torrid existence.”

Jeremy Gardiner, representing Chalkbank Estates, said the new plans addressed all the issues from the last scheme.

He said: “The public open space issue is overcome and the tree retension issue is overcome.”