PLANS for more than 270 homes could get by the borough council now that the government has, allegedly, "moved the goalposts," according to a councillor.

Cllr John Parker said "TVBC planning officers no longer feel able to defend the reasons for refusal" of the plans for 270 homes around Halterworth Primary School.

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Cllr John Parker (Image: Peter Nicholson) He said: "[The planning application] was objected to by RTC and refused by TVBC. The applicant, Gladman Homes, then took it to appeal.

"The main reasons for refusal were that TVBC already had land allocated to meet its 5-year housing land supply (5YHLS) and the land was not allocated in the current Local Plan but was, in fact, in a designated local gap.

"Unfortunately, the government has changed the goal posts and has increased our housing numbers so that there is no longer an adequate 5YHLS. This means that any planning application for housing that is refused is likely to get approved at appeal.

"As a consequence, TVBC planning officers no longer feel able to defend the reasons for refusal for the Gladman application and will not speak against the planning application when it comes before the Planning Inspector later this month.

"RTC is still planning to highlight residents' concerns at the hearing which will start at 10am on 25th March at the Crosfield Hall."

As reported in October 2024, the developers lodged an application for 270 houses, plus green space and cycle routes in January 2024, but it was refused because land in the countryside had not been allocated for development.

On the application's design and access statement, Gladman Developments said: "The site is located with good access to the town centre, existing community amenities and the local public transport network.

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"Local amenities within walking distance of the site include multiple bus stops, shops, Post Office and various local schools.

"The scheme should be visually attractive, respecting the context, form and typology of existing built form and neighbouring local vernacular."

Speaking in October, Cllr Nick Adams-King, TVBC councillor and leader of Hampshire County Council, said: "Gladman’s reputation precedes them for this kind of entirely inappropriate and speculative application and I very much fear it is the shape of the things to come unless the government agree to give councils time to prepare plans to meet their new housing targets."

Test Valley Borough Council and Halterworth Primary School have been approached for comment.