PLANS to build a "small estate" of nine houses surrounded by existing family homes have been approved - despite concerns from residents.

The plans for land off Grove Road West were submitted to Christchurch Borough Council by Magnacourt Ltd.

And although the land is at the back of people's gardens and properties, agents Evans and Traves say 86 per cent of the land is 'under used urban land and not classed as existing garden or greenfield.'

Initially the proposed homes were in a terrace layout, but this has been changed to semi-detached or detached homes.

The new homes will be arranged in a parallel street layout to Grove Road West.

Seven of the properties will be three-bedroom houses, with the remaining, two bedroom houses.

A design and access statement from the applicant Magnacourt Ltd, said: "The proposed development is of a density that optimises the use of the land within the locality without demonstrable harm to the amenities of the neighbouring properties.

"The scale, design and layout will create a new street that reflects the development pattern and character of housing within the locality."

However, neighbours who lodged objections to the plans over overlooking, increased noise and extra traffic, say they are upset the scheme was not heard at committee.

Instead, a decision was made under delegated powers by planning officers.

Neighbour Jodi Smith said: "We understand family homes have to be built and I'm not against them at all.

"But we didn't have any information from the council and we would have thought this should go to committee, rather than a private decision.

"We're concerned we were not able to speak at a planning meeting to councillors about our concerns.

"I feel like our issues have not been taken into account."

Another resident said: "I am aware of the need for housing but what is being proposed amounts to a small estate."

The planning decision said the comprehensive approach to the housing development minimises the impact on residential amenities.

A spokesperson for Christchurch council said: "This application was determined under the council’s delegated powers as the number of objections did not trigger the need to present it to the planning committee for determination.

"The constitution requires all applications where there are 12 or more objections where the recommendation is to grant to go to committee for determination. In this case there were 8 letters of objection."