Titchfield Haven: Fresh plans submitted by Bargate Homes for 62 homes near nature reserve
A similar was thrown out recently - the developer claims improvements have been made but not everyone is convinced
Controversial plans to build dozens of homes next to a nature reserve have returned, less than a year after a similar scheme was thrown out following hundreds of objections.
Developer Bargate Homes has submitted a new outline planning application to Fareham Borough Council for 62 homes on land west of Old Street in Stubbington, beside Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve.
The proposals relate to the same site where plans for 62 homes were rejected last year.
This application attracted more than 340 objections from residents and community groups.
Critics of the previous application included the Fareham Society, which argued the harm caused by the development would “significantly and demonstrably” outweigh its benefits.
But Bargate said the revised plans have been altered in response to concerns raised last year.
Conservative councillor Steve Dugan, who represents Hill Head, said the latest application would need to be “assessed on its merits.”
He said the proposal remained an “emotive subject” for residents and noted it forms part of the strategic Meon Gap.
Cllr Dugan added that it is likely it will be looked at under the new planning rules that come in from October 31.
However, given its scale, the application could be determined by the council’s planning committee, but that has yet to be decided.
The 3.7-hectare site would provide 62 thermally efficient homes, with 40 per cent classed as affordable housing and a further 10 per cent set aside for self-build or custom-build properties.
Bargate said the scheme would also include a large area of public open space, new landscaping, “green links” through the site and a pedestrian connection from Old Street. This could be used by both residents and the wider community.
Cllr Pal Hayre, Conservative for Stubbington, said that “many of the concerns that led to the previous application being rejected remain”.
She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “Residents are unlikely to welcome the proposal. The same issues around infrastructure capacity, highway impacts, the site’s proximity to Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve, the effect on the surrounding countryside, and the impact on the character of the area still exist.”
The developer has argued the scheme could help address demand for both private and affordable homes while contributing towards the council’s housing supply needs.
Luke Vallins, Bargate’s head of planning, said the number of homes proposed had been reduced during the design process. This has allowed for more landscaping and open space in the plans.
He said the company had worked to create a “landscape-led” development and would also help meet housing needs.