NEW plans to build almost 250 new homes on countryside near Romsey have been labelled as “perverse” and “bonkers”.
The plans by Hillier Nurseries, with its partner the Highwood Group, are for land at Hillier’s Brentry site in Jermyns Lane.
Neill Beasley, a former architect and founding member of the Romsey & District Society, said that he believed that if the plans were permitted it could cause Romsey to lose its character, becoming an urban sprawl.
He blames the new Government for increasing the number of homes tat districts have to plan for.
Mr Beasley told the Advertiser: “I think this sudden imposition of additional housing numbers in lower Test Valley is what’s prompted this application. The numbers are going up by over 50 per cent from what I can gather. And the design and access statement – this goes to show what has happened since the election – does include a reference to the written ministerial statement that was issued by Angela Rayner, and that seems to have added weight to this application coming forward.
“The town has got to start raising the question; this is in the countryside, it is contrary to the local plan currently and how far do we want the rural sprawl to spread from Romsey town itself? Planners talk about sustainability, but you can hardly call it sustainable. And it does seem absolutely perverse that access to a distribution depot is going to go through the housing estate - what a bonkers idea is that?
“And then you have that Jermyns Lane which doesn’t help because the infrastructure and access to the site is way below par.”
Caroline Nokes, MP for Romsey and Southampton North, also voiced concerns about the plan, blaming it on new housing targets set by the Labour government.
She said: “Test Valley Borough Council worked incredibly hard to get the Borough Local Plan to the point where it could be adopted, which would have effectively deterred this sort of speculative application.
“However, the new Government then arbitrarily imposed housing targets which are much higher, and has left areas like this vulnerable to greedy developers who have spotted an opportunity and seized it.
“Of course, planning decisions are made by locally elected Councillors, but they have been left in a position where they know any refusal to grant permission is now likely to go to appeal. Planning Inspectors based in Bristol will ultimately make the decision, knowing the new Government is determined to build all over the South East.”
The plans have already seen several formal objections, including from Braishfield Parish Council who objected on the grounds that the development is contrary to current policy, and Romsey Town Council who decided to object to the plans following a planning committee on Thursday, November 14.
Several members of the public have submitted written objections to the plans, with a predicted rise in traffic numbers being a recurring concern.
Dr Sarah Batty, of Stockbridge Road, Timsbury, said: “There has been far too much development and the town is overwhelmed. For example, the current provision of medical care cannot cope with the current residents. It is very difficult to get medical care at the two Romsey practices and this is impacting on the Emergency Services locally.
“The multiple new estates are changing the rural feel of Romsey and making the roads more unsafe for our children.”
Patrick Pavey, of Ganger Farm Way, said: “The construction phase and future occupation of this site would lead to a considerable amount of extra traffic in the vicinity, especially along Jermyns Lane in both directions, and along Braishfield road into Romsey. My wife and I are regular cyclists and will by preference cycle into Romsey for necessary errands. We also belong to a local cycling group and undertake longer rides all around the local area, so I was particularly interested to read the reports on the walking and cycling facilities that are proposed.
At present Jermyns Lane has a 40mph speed limit, there is no footpath or cycleway and there are no street lights. This makes it hazardous for pedestrians and cyclists. I would suggest the introduction of a 30mph speed limit, street lighting at the junction with Ganger Farm Way and obviously also at the entrance to the Brentry development. In addition, a footpath/cyclepath would be desirable to allow safer access towards the Winchester road.”
More information on the plans can be found by visiting the Test Valley Borough Council planning portal and searching using reference 24/02526/FULLS.
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