Fears over plans for new luxury home in Hayling

Havant Borough Council’s planning committee will tomorrow decide whether the Montague family can knock down a chalet overlooking Langstone Harbour, in Ferry Road, Hayling, and build a large modern home.

But Ray and Margaret Stewart say the property will block out sunlight to their home, meaning they will be forced to live in darkness.

They also say the bulk of the flat roof building will be too big and out of keeping in the area.

But not everyone agrees – others say it will be a welcome addition to Ferry Point.

Mr Stewart, 75, who overcame objections 11 years ago to build his own home, said: ‘We have worked extremely hard all our lives for this house, sometimes six-and-half-days a week.

‘It is our pride and joy and our retirement here will be ruined if the plans go ahead as they stand. We are not against development at all. But we are against this building.

‘It should be within the footprint of our house, but it will block out the sun completely.

‘It’s a house with a flat roof that extends beyond our property and will mean a loss of privacy for us.’

Other objections to the council call the building ‘unattractive’ and say the bulk and scale is disproportionate and unsympathetic to other properties in the area.

But the proposals have also received support.

Kristine Page-Wood lives in a house designed by the same architects, John Pardey.

She said: ‘Our house, like this one, was designed with great sensitivity to its surrounding environment.

‘The proposed materials will reflect and integrate beautifully into the natural and existing landscape of Hayling Island.’

Architect Richard Butler disputed the building would block light to the neighbouring property and said it was close in size and scale to it.

He added: ‘If you visit Ferry Point you will see there is a distinct mixture of building styles, roof shapes, colours and materials.

‘Some claim the new house will spoil the local landscape, but an expert landscape and visual impact assessment included in the application concluded the new house would have positive benefits to the area and a negligible impact overall.’

The meeting is at 5pm.