PLANS to build 12 residential units on a brownfield site in Old Acre Road, Alton, have been given the green light.

But while some have welcomed Petersfield Housing Association's application to smarten up an eyesore and provide a dozen rentable homes, others say it is over-development, describing it as "Colditz" that will increase parking problems and be out-of-character with the attractive, low-profile Victorian terrace opposite.

The 0.13-hectare site lies on the south side of Butts Road, to the rear of the BP filling station and Job Centre, and a stone's throw from the town centre conservation area. It currently houses redundant business units.

For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.