Heath Road housing plan at Locks Heath sparks new protests

An application to develop a six-acre site at Locks Heath was given the green light two years ago, despite sparking 53 objections and a petition signed by 2,390 people.

Protesters said the scheme would create extra traffic problems in the area as well as putting additional strain on doctors, dentists, and schools.

Now, Fareham Borough Council has received a more detailed proposal that will also have to be approved before work can start.

Vistry Southern has submitted new plans to build 70 homes at Locks Heath (Image: Vistry Southern)

The new application has already sparked three letters of objection, with critics accusing the developer of trying to cram too many homes on to the site off Heath Road.

Initial plans to use the land for housing were supported by Fareham Borough Council at the start of 2023.

READ MORE: Locks Heath school set to accept younger pupils

A report to councillors denied that the proposal would result in a cramped form of development which would fail to reflect the character of the surrounding area.

Instead, it said the Vistry Southern scheme would deliver a "pleasant and high quality development".

Vistry Southern has submitted new plans to build 70 homes at Locks Heath (Image: Vistry Southern)

"The layout demonstrates that it would be possible to provide a mixture of housing types including detached dwellings in generous sized plots, semi-detached and terraced properties with ample-sized gardens.

"In doing so there would still be sufficient space to ensure the retention of a reasonable number of mature trees.

"The layout also demonstrates how two routes through the site might be provided for pedestrians travelling from Heath Road to the Locks Heath Centre.

"A number of local residents have raised concerns over the likely increase in traffic generated by the development and impact this may have on roads in the local and strategic highway network.

"The advice from highways officers is that, based on the anticipated distribution of vehicles travelling to and from the site, the flows of traffic generated are not considered likely to have a significant impact."

The application will be decided by Fareham Borough Council (Image: Supplied)

The report confirmed that many of the trees on the site were subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).

But it added: "Whilst some protected trees would be removed in order to facilitate the development, a number would remain."

The report said the loss of trees "would not harm the contribution trees make to the overall public amenity value of the area".

A design and access statement that accompanies the latest application says the removal of trees will be "partially mitigated" by new planting.