491-home development plans in Ringwood submitted

The green belt land at Moortown Road in Ringwood spans just under 34 hectares and was previously identified by New Forest District Council as ideal for redevelopment with associated public open space and land reserved for a primary school.

Developers, Crest Nicholson, say the affordable housing plans would be a “high quality residential-led development” - but there are fears from some residents who say the town’s infrastructure would be unable to cope.

If approved, the site would welcome a mix of mainly semi-detached and terraced dwellings with driveway parking, two children’s play areas and open green spaces.

The current plan proposes 192 two-bed, 216 three-bed and 72 four-plus-bedroom properties.

Full planning permission is sought for an initial 168 units with outline planning permission sought for the remainder of the units which will come forward as part of a phased programme.

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Developers said: “The proposed development… has been sensitively designed to respond to its surroundings and specific site constraints.

“The development will deliver a significant number of new homes, including affordable housing, within the Local Plan period.

“Land at Moortown Lane will create a new community and provide a critical mass that will, in turn, support transport and social infrastructure. The proposals will comprise a distinctive character and a strong sense of place, informed by important site features and the existing valued qualities of Ringwood.”

However, some residents have expressed concern.

Tina Houghton, who lives near the proposed site, said: “So many new houses going up in Ringwood but no extra amenities to look after the people in the houses i.e. doctors, dentists, schools. The roads of Ringwood are already often blocked. More people trying to get on and off at Ringwood is not going to help.”

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Simon Owen, meanwhile, added: “I support this as long as it’s going to be for local people only and young people and affordable for them.

He added: “…young families need homes, not flats, in towns.”

It is proposed that 50 per cent of the dwellings provided are to be affordable housing.

Policy for the land states that two hectares of space should be reserved for the building of a new primary school. Developers, however, say there is “no need” for a new school. They cited sustainability concerns and impact on existing schools as primary reasons.

They instead suggested expanding existing schools in the area. Ringwood councillor Hilary Edge previously stated that local schools were already “over capacity” and believed a new primary school was necessary.

Members of the public can comment on the application until mid-February.