TENSIONS hit boiling point as controversial plans for 164 new homes on former green belt land in the New Forest were approved by a planning committee.
Calls of “scandalous” and “absolutely disgusting” were shouted by angry residents after New Forest District Council narrowly voted to approve the application by Pennyfarthing Homes for the homes in New Milton on Wednesday, February 8.
The plan to redevelop arable land at Brockhills Lane with 164 homes resulted in around 600 objections before being heard at committee, where members engaged in an impassioned debate.
While the development itself was generally praised for its design and homes aesthetic, issues around the local road network – especially at the narrow Brockhills Lane – dominated the proceedings.
Cllr Christine Hopkins said: “We need to listen more to our constituents, please, they’re the ones that are living there and have to put up with [it].”
Her words were echoed by Cllr Maureen Holding who said the developer should “go back to the drawing board”, adding: “We’ve put a good development next to a completely inadequate road.”
Official traffic surveys, however, concluded that site access would operate well within capacity at peak times and traffic impacts on the local highway network would not be significant.
Committee chair Cllr Christine Ward attempted to steer members away from debating the travel aspect, citing the highways officer’s reports and findings.
This suggestion was not well received by members such as Cllr David Hawkins who felt the committee was being “bullied” into moving away from the topic.
Others saw merit with the application and believed there to be no lawful reason to refuse it.
Cllr Ann Sevier said: “I’m going to put some common sense into this, sorry residents. This is going to be a nice development. We can’t blame Pennyfarthing for highways [issues].”
Cllr Kate Crisell added: “I think it’s a brilliant development. We’ve pinpointed the things we weren’t happy with last time and the developers have come back and done their best.”
Objectors were represented by action group Residents Against the Development of Brockhills Lane, whose spokesperson Neill Crawford spoke passionately at the meeting – however he did not speak into a microphone meaning his representation was not heard externally.
He dramatically bowed after giving his speech.
Members ultimately voted to approve the application by seven votes to five, with three abstentions, as residents jeered and dubbed the decision “scandalous”.
Half of the homes will be allocated as ‘affordable’ with a mixture of social rent, affordable rent and shared ownership schemes available.
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