CONTROVERSIAL plans to develop land in the middle of a conservation area in Highcliffe have been approved.

Members of the BCP Council planning committee voted to grant permission for the Chewton Common Road scheme, despite concerns about access to the Chewton Common Road site.

Councillors made the move on Thursday, despite calls from neighbours for them to defer a decision until they had visited the site.

Thirty-two letters objecting to the scheme were submitted to the council, warning that developing the land into two three-bedroom homes would “tear the heart out” of the Bramble Lane conservation area.

Concerns had also been raised about the impact it would have on the area, which currently houses an old railway carriage, as a wildlife habitat.

But, speaking at the meeting on Thursday, Matt Stevens, a planning agent speaking in support of the application said it was a “well-designed” scheme and fitted in with the character of the area.

It had also been supported by planning officer Sophie Mawdsley who said the scheme “struck a balance” between protecting the appearance of the area and producing economic benefits.

However, objector Peter Rose called on councillors to visit the site in person before casting their judgement on the scheme.

“The proposed development is in one of the oldest parts of Highcliffe,” he said at the meeting on Thursday.

“There are no roads, pavements or designated parking spaces, you really need to see the site before making a decision.”

He urged councillors to defer a decision to allow the committee to look around the area in person.

However, the committee agreed to grant planning permission, despite some concerns about the access road to the site.

Cllr Ann Stribley said the proposed access track not far from an existing road “defied logic” but was told by council officers that the land was not owned by the applicant.

The committee agreed by eight votes to two to grant planning permission for the development.