Hundreds opposed to cottage replacement plan

Campaigners say the house has stood since the 16th Century in Swanmore

Hundreds of people have opposed a plan that would see a flint cottage that campaigners say dates back to the 16th Century demolished and replaced.

Its owner has submitted plans to demolish the cottage in Swanmore and replace it with two new two-storey homes with parking and gardens.

But the project, submitted to Winchester City Council for permission and expected to be decided next month, is the subject of an online petition signed by more than 650 people.

Another 120 letters objecting have been sent to the local authority stating people's opposition.

The grandson of the house's previous owners, David James Abbott, set up the petition because he said they sold it believing that it would be lived in by the new owners.

Another objector, David Bridges, told the council that the home should be Grade II listed "due to its historical significance" in Swanmore.

"To replace this historic traditional Hampshire dwelling with two modern houses would be detrimental to the historical architecture of the village and should not be allowed to happen," he said.

A decision is set to be made by 21 May.