A ROMSEY development opposition group has slammed the timing of new updates for a major new development, which includes more than 1,000 homes at Whitenap.

Romsave has been a long-term opponent to the plan for 1,100 homes with open space, roads, parking, service infrastructure, local food production and landscaping.

The Ashfield Partnership, which comprises the Ashfield Estate as landowner and three developers: C G Fry and Son Ltd, Morrish Homes, and Wyatt Homes, submitted the latest update on July 16. The planning application was submitted in 2022 and consultation of the scheme goes back to 2005. 

The update includes a bridge over the railway line which would provide links to Botley Road, Whitenap Lane, Tadburn Road and the A27/ A3057. This has been a sticking point for many opponents. 

Despite this addition Richard Buss, a member of the Romsave group and resident of The Tyleshades, criticised the timing of the updates. He said: “The Ashfield Partnership's arrogance, disrespect and total disregard for the people of Romsey seems to know no bounds.  

“Notification of a further consultation landed the day before the busiest exodus of the summer holidays. It is national best practice for planning consultation with communities not to be conducted through school holidays and certainly not during the school summer holiday period.

Whitenap map (Image: TVBC)

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“We are deeply disappointed to see the applicant and Hampshire County Council's transport department are still adamantly pursuing bus transport access through Tadburn Road. It is clear that neither HCC, TVBC or the Ashfield Partnership are actually listening to the local people of Romsey.

“The timing of this consultation is a deliberate attempt to cause consultation fatigue and make it appear the community is happy with this application. We will be taking the time to stringently review all these documents and will be making a formal response and an alternative suggestion to the proposed transport link and the bridge in due course.

“No matter where you live in or around Romsey, this development will have a huge impact on everyone’s daily lives so it is important that the right plans come forward and residents are given the opportunity to have their say and have their voices heard, after all it’s the residents living in Romsey that know Romsey the best.”

Hundreds of people have objected to the scheme since it was first submitted to Test Valley Borough Council in 2022. However, just one has been added to the most recent updates. 

Kayleigh Stainer, who gives an address as 'Romsey resident', said: “I highly dispute the application for the development of 1,100 houses. There is not the space or infrastructure, roads are already gridlocked at peak times and have deteriorated in the last 10 years. Also this is a valued green space for dog walks and for hedgehogs, all this will be destroyed.”

In a statement, the Ashfield Partnership said: “We believe we’ve found a feasible solution to enable a bridge to be delivered at an appropriate time which we hope may be acceptable to the Council.”

For more details about the planning application online, search 22/01213/OUTS.