PLANS for more than 74 new homes as part of of new neighbourhood of nearly 350 properties have been submitted. 

Pennyfarthing Homes is looking to build a neighbourhood of 342 homes on the northern edge of Fordingbridge in the New Forest. 

Known as Forde Valley, the wider development is similar to the Whitsbury Green development that is currently under construction and located on adjoining land. 

Developers say this “ambitious” project is set to deliver much-needed housing for the area and for people wanting to relocate.  

Situated off Whitsbury Road, this new phase promises a range of high-quality homes surrounded by countryside.  

Outline planning approval for the development of 342 homes was granted in September, with the site having been allocated within the New Forest District Council Local Plan.  

Carefully designed to meet the needs of residents, the development offers 25 per cent affordable homes including properties available through the government’s new First Homes scheme. 

Pennyfarthing has said its vision for Forde Valley is to create an “attractive place to live offering an excellent quality of life in a welcoming community on the edge of the New Forest”.  

Plans submitted show the 74 homes will be a mix of houses, bungalows and apartments, with traditional-style architecture using building material that reflect the vernacular.  

Apartments will be created in the style of an elegant Georgian-influenced manor house that the developer has said will create a landmark at the gateway to the development. 

Matt Dukes, managing director of Pennyfarthing Homes, said: "We are pleased to be driving ahead with our plans to create a highly desirable and attractive new community for Fordingbridge that forms a natural extension to the town while benefitting from a beautiful, rural location.  

“Our proposed designs are sympathetic to the area and the mix of homes will attract a wide range of residents to Fordingbridge.  

“We are confident we will continue to build on the success of Whitsbury Green situated next door, which is already proving popular among buyers attracted to this fabulous location on the edge of the New Forest.” 

A spokeswoman for Pennyfarthing added: “The designs for Forde Valley place an emphasis on green space to create a beautiful natural setting for the homes that maximises views to the surrounding countryside.  

“Generous areas will be set aside for natural public realm with trees and landscaping, and there will be a children’s play area, an enclosed space for dog walking and links with local footpaths.  

“The outline planning for the wider development includes woodlands, a wetland area and extensive tree and hedge planting to boost biodiversity.”