Verdict in on dozens of new homes after thousands sign petitions against developer's plans

The proposal by Vistry Southern to develop a six-acre site at the heart of Locks Heath has sparked significant community backlash, attracting more than 120 formal objections and two large petitions.

The planning application will be considered by Fareham Borough Council’s planning committee on Wednesday, February 11.

Council officers are recommending that councillors grant permission, despite 126 objections submitted during the public consultation and two petitions, one signed by 697 residents and another with 3,660 signatures calling to save the woodland at Locks Heath Centre.

Residents say the development would harm the character of the area and lead to a loss of privacy. They are also worried about parking, traffic congestion and damage to the environment.

The site, previously owned by Hampshire County Council, is currently unused and semi-natural, with no existing buildings.

Under the plans, the land would be split into several areas and developed with a mix of one- and two-bedroom maisonettes, as well as two-, three- and four-bedroom houses, including semi-detached and terraced homes.

The development would also involve removing 100 trees, including some high-quality trees that could otherwise live for more than 40 years.

Council officers said that “clear justification” has been provided for the loss of trees and concluded that adequate landscaping mitigation has been proposed.

Objectors, however, argue that the full impact of the development has not been properly considered.

One resident said: “There is nothing in place to support such a large development, with an influx of potentially 140 cars and more than 280 people, including children. Roads are already chaotic, Heath Road is used as a cut-through and a racetrack, and there are no additional medical facilities or amenities for young people.

“Trees are extremely important for our wellbeing — they provide oxygen, absorb carbon, soak up water, keep areas cool and support wildlife. How many protected trees will be destroyed? Please listen to your residents. Nobody wants this.”

Another objector said the scheme was “completely out of character” with the surrounding area and raised long-standing concerns about access to the site, adding that the road was “completely unsuitable” for increased traffic.

A third resident said: “I strongly disagree with the proposals to build so many houses in an already overwhelmed area. Infrastructure is already stretched to breaking point, and this is the last thing we need.”

Another submission criticised the strain on local services and the impact on wildlife, saying: “Doctors’ surgeries are already over capacity, traffic is diabolical at all times of the day, and the environmental impact is constantly overlooked.

“Would the planning committee be prepared to give up their homes for the wildlife to be relocated?

“We all know this will be passed because the feelings of local residents, the ones actually impacted by this, will again be ignored! Just once, Fareham Council, think of the residents who pay their taxes… rather than the developers who couldn’t care less”

A final decision will be made by councillors at the planning committee meeting.