A NEW plan for 40 homes in Romsey has been met with more than 65 objections in one month.

In June last year, Test Valley Borough Council refused a 43-home development near Oxlease Meadows.

Developer Stratland Estates has now submitted a new proposal, which has already met significant local opposition.

An objection from Romsey Town Council's planning committee said: “The built development, so close to the nature reserve and public vantage points, would be an obvious and harmful intrusion into this countryside setting, adversely affecting the character and appearance of the area when viewed from public vantage points and would result in visual harm to the character and appearance of this area.

“It is impossible for the access road not to go over the root protection zones in the area. This road was not built for this amount of traffic and, as such, will severely impact the amenity of the existing residents of this hitherto cul-de-sac.”

Elizabeth Pratt, chairman of Romsey and District Society's Natural Environment Committee, said: “In summary, we are objecting to the proposed development on the grounds of unjustified development in the countryside, impacts on bats and other mammals, birds, reptiles and great crested newts; the impact on the SSSI and nature reserve (SINC) in disturbance, the loss of the feeling of wilderness and increasing 'hemming in', possible pollution from runoff, and additional disturbance from recreation, cats and dogs.”

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Residents of Treviglio Close also submitted objections. Cameron Bedford said: “The new application has only been altered by the reduction of three properties and fails to fundamentally address the reasons for the original rejection/refusal. 

“We note that there has been a suggestion of using Treviglio Close as a possible access route for both the construction works traffic and any future long-term access.”

Oxlease Meadows residents have also opposed the plan. Dr Samuel Gee said: "My main concern is the children's play park in Oxlease Meadows. My children have had near misses with cars a few times already. It has a single lane road past it without speed humps. The approximately 40 homes accessed beyond the no through road generate a good deal of traffic in an age where multiple delivery vans attend each house per day.”

On the developer's planning statement, it said: “The scheme will provide an allocation of affordable housing which is essential to meet the needs of the local area. 

“The homes will be of a high-quality design and construction, and the arrangement of the site layout will provide a strong sense of place and community.

“The sensitively designed proposal will enhance the character of the site and benefit the local community by providing much-needed new mixed tenure housing. It is respectfully requested that officers and members of the council look favourably on this proposal and grant full planning permission.”

To view the plans online, search 22/03321/FULLS on Test Valley Borough Council's planning portal.