Hayling Island residents fight 'inappropriate and unsound' housing plans on first day of planning inquiry

The fight has begun against plans to build 300 new homes in Hayling Island which residents fear could bring traffic gridlock.

A planning inquiry has begun this morning (Tuesday, June 23) to decide the fate of the plans at Rooks Farm on St Mary’s Road with housing, green spaces, play areas and new roads part of the proposals.

Hayling Island Residents' Association (HIRA), Save Rook Farm and Save Our Island joined forces to oppose the planning application after Havant Borough Council chose not to oppose them at the inquiry which will decide if the development can take place.

The inspectorate opened proceedings at the planning inquiry at Hayling Island Sailing Club, with developers Barrett Homes and local residents outlaying their opposing views.

The main points of contention over the plans are the increased risk of flooding in the area, particularly on the A3023 which is already at risk, while also the increased traffic onto the island with only one road in and out.

It also on a site where Brent Geese are prevalent meaning that a new site for them would have to be found. In this case the new site earmarked for them is split into two which HIRA have labelled as unsuitable.

A number of Hayling Island residents had the opportunity to speak at the inquiry with Dave Parham calling the plans “inappropriate and unsound”. A member of Save Our Island, he flagged infrastructure issues with 300 new homes to put further strain on the sewerage system and traffic.

Mr Parham also objected on environmental grounds stating the plans destroy a large part of the “protected area and it is not replaceable”.

This was a point emphasised by Chris Pearsall who lives near the proposed area. His house overlooks the designated Brent Geese protected area and states it is “not uncommon to see well over 500 birds feeding on any one day”.

Another point raised by multiple members of the public related to traffic issues. Allison Quinton called traffic a “daily anxiety” for residents and cited the recent fatal collision on April 9 as an example of how the island can be cut off.

With most people commuting off the island for work, as well as for hospital appointment and commitments Ms Quinton added the “infrastructure can not cope”. Others highlighted the fact that A3023 can be gridlocked at the weekends and during hot weather as it is.

Another issue raised was the additional risk of flooding. Robin Davison, a member of Marine Walk Resident’s Association, was affected by the flooding which occurred on April 8, 2024. A quarter of a millions worth of damage was caused to his house and he had move out of it for a year.

He said the “trauma” of that experience has left a “scar for life” and he objected to the plans due to an increased risk of flooding.

It was echoed by Councillor Jonathan Hulls who is a station officer at Hayling Island Coastguard. He cited his experiences helping to rescue people during the 2024 flooding and how ambulances and fire engines could not get through the flooded A3023.

At the start of the inquiry the council clarified its position on the plans via David Jobbins of Luken Beck, a planning consultant.

It was said that the plans would not have been refused “subject to appropriate conditions”. Addressing the contentious issues, the council stated that there would be no adverse affects with flooding or transport due to the development.

Overall it was said the development of new homes fitted in with the national framework which took precedent and made “key policies out of date”. Particularly due to the council’s “significant” housing land supply shortfall.

This was cited in the opening statement by the applicant. While HIRA acknowledged the need for new housing it believes the mitigations proposed to offset the risk of flooding and to provide a new area for the Brent Geese did not outweigh the impact the new homes would have on the island.

It has been a contentious application from the start with plans first submitted to the council in 2021. It led to more than 2,000 local residents expressing concerns about the loss of green space, air and noise pollution, a struggling sewage system and an already congested traffic network - with only one road on and off the Island.

But the council’s failure to make a decision over whether to approve or reject the plans led to the applicant lodging an appeal with the independent Planning Inspectorate and to today’s inquiry which is expected last four days.