Totton: Proposal to build 271 homes north of A36 revised

Bloor Homes and Barker-Mills Estates are seeking consent to develop a 17.5-hectare site north of the A36 Salisbury Road at Calmore.

An outline application was approved by New Forest District Council last year.

A more detailed proposal was submitted later, but New Forest District Council has now received a new application following talks between planning staff and the applicants.

The number of proposed new homes has been reduced from 271 to 269 and several other changes have also been made.

Developers are seeking planning permission to build 269 homes on farmland between Totton and the M27 motorway (Image: Pegasus Group)

In a letter to the council, White Peak Planning, which is representing the applicants, says a "pack of revised proposals" has been submitted.

It adds: "Following the original submission of the reserved matters application the project team met with officers  to resolve key layout, design, and landscaping concerns.

"In consideration of the feedback gained from these meetings, and from comments received in consultation, significant revisions to the proposals have been made."

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Several people have lodged objections to the proposal since it was first submitted.

Developers are seeking planning permission to build 269 homes on farmland between Totton and the M27 motorway (Image: Pegasus Group)

Gordon Lewis, of Greenfields Avenue, in Totton, said: "This development will destroy valuable green space which acts as a much needed buffer zone between the A36 and M27.

"It will also destroy the character of Hill Street, along which are several buildings of historical interest and character.

"Furthermore, the area is already over-populated and there is insufficient infrastructure for those people who currently live in the area.

"New Forest District Council should be preserving open green spaces."

Another critic, Matthew Simpson, added: "Access to the proposed site is dangerously positioned on an already high-risk road with a history of fatal and grievous accidents."

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Mr Simpson said pollution levels in the town centre were already above the national average and claimed the proposed development would put nearby residents at risk of respiratory disease.

But other people have written to the council to support the scheme.

Susan Compton said: "New and affordable housing is in very short supply and I welcome this development, which will enable our young people to remain in the area. Local infant schools do have spare capacity, with land available to expand if needed."

A report produced by council planning officers said the scheme would deliver much-needed homes.

The applicants have said: "The proposals include measures to protect and enhance the existing biodiversity and habitats within the site such as green corridors."