PLANS for 64 homes in Romsey which could be given the green light by planning chiefs have been delayed.

The plans, submitted by Alfred Homes and VIVID Homes, look to create a mix of two, three and four bedroom homes in Braishfield Road.

If approved by Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC), the application would boast 18 flats and 167 car parking spaces.

The plans would see a fourth exit created on the roundabout in Braishfield Road, which meets with Freemantle Road, to provide access to the development.

Now, it has been revealed the applicants have agreed "an extension of time with Test Valley Borough Council" after a decision was due to be made on the plans by Friday, June 5.

However, it is not known why an extension has been agreed.

This comes after the application came under fire from residents, who fear it will increase traffic congestion on a "manically busy" road.

Others believe the planning application will destroy wildlife living in the area if the homes are given the green light.

Cllr Dorothy Baverstock, who represents romsey Cupernham on the borough council, said: "I am opposed to it because having 64 more homes on Cupernham Lane would turn a lovely countryside into an urban area.

"They want to bring the entrance of the development onto the roundabout and Braishfield Road is manically busy, because it is one of the main entrances into Abbotswood."

Ms Baverstock also stressed the housing developments are changing the area into a "giant housing estate".

Romsey Extra Parish Council criticised the application in a document submitted to TVBC, claiming the development would wipe out a green area that provides a "visual break in the increasingly urbanised Braishfield Road".

Richard Baker, who lives in Doris Bunting Road in Ampfield, said: "I have spent the last 14 months living on a building site, the application will have an unbelievable impact on my property and life.

"The road infrastructure is a nightmare. Romsey is gridlocked permanently and the pollution levels are going through the roof."

He added: "The area has deer, fox, owls and bats, along with butterflies and insects all living there and you will be destroying and killing the animals."

Sally Yalden, who lives in Farley Lane, Braishfield, hit out at the plans claiming the development could put more pressure on GP surgeries in Romsey.

She said: "With an ageing population in this area, the existing surgeries in Romsey must be nearing capacity.

"As a patient, over the past few years I have found it difficult to get an appointment to see a doctor."

A joint statement from Alfred Homes and VIVID Homes reads: "We have agreed to an extension of time with Test Valley Borough Council, which is not unusual for such large-scale planning applications and proposals.

"Alfred Homes and VIVID remain in close contact with the officers at the council regarding the determination of our planning application.”