Plans to build a small housing estate on the site of a former firing range in Whitehill have been approved – but with a hefty list of conditions.

Planners at East Hampshire District Council are happy with the calibre of the proposals for the Irvine’s Coal Yard site off Lemon Grove.

The planning application by Caldwell Land Ltd (CCL) for the L-shaped plot include five detached homes and a pair of semi-detached properties.

The seven homes will be built around a cul-de-sac with the south of the plot becoming a W-shaped wildlife corridor to create a natural buffer between the development and Birch Grove.

The site has become an overgrown eyesore and dumping ground in recent years but previous bids to redevelop the plot have been rejected.

The applicants from Reigate believe their scheme will benefit both nature and the local housing supply with badger and reptile studies carried out as part of their submission. They also learned the site has a good population of slowworms after engaging with ecologists.

There was some local opposition with concerns about the rise of traffic on the narrow Lemon Grove and Oak Tree Road with pavement parking being a problem in the area.

Another objector called the plans “overdevelopment” and believes the site should be turned into a play area.

The objector said: “The site is a haven for wildlife and should be used as a pleasant green area for the use of local residents to enjoy.

“Children have to cross the A325 for a play area – why not develop this site for all the community?”

The applicants will have some work to do before building commences with 23 conditions being set out by EHDC.

Details about drainage construction, levels, vehicle access and bin arrangements have been requested along with protective fencing and landscape and planting plans.