ONE of the largest planning applications for 'a generation' to build a 1,100-home estate near Romsey has been submitted.

The plan includes 1,100 new homes and a range of amenities in Whitenap, on the southern edge of the town.

Richard Buss, a member of the Romsave group, formed by local residents in 2014 when the Whitenap site was first allocated, said: "This development is for 1,100 homes, that is the equivalent of Abbotswood and Ganger Farm combined.

READ MORE: Proposed plans for over 1,000 homes at Whitenap, Romsey

“This is the biggest decision the elected politicians of Romsey will have to make in our name for a generation and will affect everybody regardless of where they live in the town.”

In November, a public consultation was held over the plans with people raising concerns over access

The application is for up to 1,100 homes with associated open space, roads, parking, service infrastructure, local food production and landscaping.

Also, two new vehicle access points to Luzborough Lane (A27), pedestrian and cycle connection to St Barbe Close, and improvement of existing Whitenap Lane access.

It has been submitted by the Ashfield Partnership, which comprises the Ashfield Estate as landowner and three developers: C G Fry and Son Ltd, Morrish Homes, and Wyatt Homes.

On the planning statement, Ashfield Estate landowner, Tim Knatchbull said: “We are building places that offer membership of that community, places with a sense of identity as well as history. If we get that right, all else will follow: land values, civic values, a place we can be proud to call home.”

Tim Gray, spokesman for the Ashfield Partnership, said: “Our application responds to planning policy which anticipates local needs. But The Ashfield Partnership aims to go further and its aspirations are set out in the design and access statement. We look forward to accommodating other good ideas into the detailed design to benefit the overall delivery for both Romsey and North Baddesley.

Hampshire Chronicle: Whitenap location, inset masterplan outline. Credit Test Valley Borough Council and Ben Pentreath

“The Ashfield Partnership’s response to the revised Local Plan allocation is to submit the outline planning application which seeks only to confirm the principle that development should take place at Whitenap and the arrangements for access. The application is the result of extensive community engagement, discussions with both local authorities, and the other statutory consultees.

SEE ALSO: The history of Whitenap Lane

“Much work lies ahead in the detailed design and The Ashfield Partnership hopes that other good ideas can emerge to become part of the overall delivery for both Romsey and North Baddesley.”

Mr Buss said Romsave also have concerns about parts of the plan such as a bridge and access via St Barbe Close/Tadburn Road.

He said the original application had received more than 250 objections about the lack of the bridge, and that despite TVBC's policy stating development will only be permitted providing a bridge is built over the railway line, the developer is still not providing it.

The application was discussed at Romsey Town Council's planning committee on May 26.

To view the details of the plan, search 22/01213/OUTS on Test Valley Borough Council's planning portal.

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