TWO CONTROVERSIAL planning applications have been decided as expected.

A bid by Persimmon Homes to build 79 homes on land south of Larcombe Road in Petersfield was approved by South Downs National Park planning committee.

Work will be able to start after the details of a Section 106 agreement outlining works the developer must carry out have been agreed.

Persimmon plan to build ten four bedroom homes, 28 three bedroom ones, 33 two bedroom and eight one-bedroom flats.

Despite numerous objections from residents, the committee decided the proposal was acceptable, and that, as the site was listed as building land in the draft Petersfield Nieghbourhood Plan, the estate could be built.

The second Petersfield application decided by the committee at its meeting on Friday, November 13, was one to demolish Paris House business unit in Frenchmans Road and build 47 homes.

Originally planning officers said the proposal should be refused but, at almost the last moment, the recommendation was reversed, much to the dismay and anger of residents living nearby.

One resident from Rushes Road, which is behind Paris House, said: “The about-face was made by the planning officers less than a week before the planning committee meeting, and some of us didn’t receive letters about the change of recommendation.

“I didn’t think they could change something like that so close to the meeting without making sure everyone had a chance to comment.”

However committee members stuck by the first recommendation, and the proposal from Lynwood Scientfic Developments to demolish Paris House and build new homes was turned down.