TOWN council planners are continuing to object to a major scheme for 1,100 homes on the outskirts of Romsey. 

Romsey Town Council's planning committee has opposed the development at Whitenap since it was first submitted in 2022. 

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

The scheme from The Ashfield Partnership, which comprises the Ashfield Estate as landowner and three developers: C G Fry and Son Ltd, Morrish Homes, and Wyatt Homes, includes open space, roads, parking, service infrastructure, local food production and landscaping.

READ MORE: Romsave opposition group slams Whitenap developer over updates

The town council's planning committee discussed the updates on Thursday, August 1. 

Cllr Mark Cooper declared an interest in the application as he owns land that borders the site.

Before leaving the meeting, he spoke as a member of the public. He said: “One thing that concerns me quite a lot is it's all about access and it will be interesting to actually make sure that the infrastructure for access, including the bridge, are in the very early phase of the development and not left until the end.”

Whitenap plan (Image: TVBC)

Cllr John Parker gave an overview of the update. He said: “The important bits in the amendment is that it indicates there is going to be a bridge and they are still uncertain at what point in the development the bridge should be imposed. Obviously we would like it built before the houses are occupied, but the developer would prefer to build it once the houses are occupied. 

“We would like to see a commitment to the provision of the bridge at a very early stage of the development. Another point to note is the bus gate. We appear to be in a very silly situation where the county council wants the bus gate, but the bus company says they can't get buses down St Barbe Close. 

SEE ALSO: Bushfield Camp: Councillor call for site to be for nature conservation

“The other thing that concerns me is the timing that this amendment has been put out. It's the start of the school holidays, with comments available to be submitted for 21 days which is not the best practice as far as engaging with the public is concerned. 

“This is expected to come before the southern area planning committee somewhere around October.”

Cllr Russell Theron was elected to the town council last year. He said: “As a new councillor on the planning committee I know this has been in the pipeline for a while. You have to look at the headlines for the people of Romsey. There are 1,100 dwellings in an already gridlocked town. We must see this infrastructure before planning is granted in my opinion. The reality is this developer will put these houses up, not do the infrastructure and then the people of Romsey will suffer in the long term. That is unacceptable. It really needs a strong objection.”

Committee chairman John Critchley added: “I agree with the comments made, the bridge is vital.”

Since the amendment was submitted on July 16, two new objections have been submitted by members of the public. 

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