Oxlease Meadows: Plans for 43 homes in Romsey dismissed at appeal

Developer Stratland Estates applied for the scheme near Oxlease Meadows, which was refused by Test Valley Borough Council in June last year.

Since then, a new application for 40 homes on the same site has met with significant opposition. 

In a report, the planning inspector said: “To the north of the site is an area of woodland, and to the west is a disused canal and associated footpath which forms part of the wider Fishiake Meadows nature reserve (FMNR). 

READ MORE: Romsey planning: More than 65 objections for Oxlease Meadows plan

“The proposed layout would require some dwellings to face the canal boundary and others to have their side elevation adjacent to it. It would also install a footpath along it for much of the length of the appeal site. This would place development very close to the boundary and would provide significantly less separation than there is between the canal and the properties at Oxlease Meadows, which are set back behind rear gardens. Therefore, although some of the Oxlease Meadow properties can be glimpsed from the canal footpath, the set back distance means they do not dominate the otherwise verdant nature and tranquil character of the canal.

“This would mean that the proposed development would be more obvious within views from the canal footpath and FMNR, and more prominent than existing development. It would fail to blend into the verdant backdrop of the canal and would have a more prominent impact on its appearance. It would also physically and permanently alter its character by creating active frontage alongside it where there currently is none.

“The proposal would, therefore, have a permanent and detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the canal which in turn would cause significant harm to the character and appearance of the area, specifically the FMNR.

“For the reasons given above the appeal scheme would conflict with the development plan when read as a whole and there are no sufficiently weighted material considerations, including the framework, which would indicate a decision otherwise. The appeal is, therefore, dismissed.”

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The new 40-home scheme has received more than 65 objections since it was submitted in January.

Sue Mullane, from Romsey and District Society's planning committee, said: "The application site is within the countryside in planning terms and this proposal for 40 dwellings and associated development is contrary to the planning policies of the TVBC Local Plan.

"It is acknowledged that the site lies adjacent to two other parcels of land upon which other residential development is nearing completion. This relationship however is no justification for further development such as on this current application site. The impact by proximity and views into and out from the site in connection with the immediately adjacent Fishlake Meadows Nature Reserve (SINC) and the adjacent canal (SSSI) would be significant and detrimental to the setting of those protected and sensitive areas."

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