Plans for “desperately needed” housing in the New Forest have been given the green light.

Pennyfarthing Homes saw its reserved matters proposal for land west of Whitsbury Road in Fordingbridge approved at a New Forest District meeting on Wednesday, May 14.

Members of the planning committee backed the scheme for 74 new dwellings, including 18 affordable homes, on part of the strategic allocation site.

Suzanne Bangert, of planning agent tor&co, told councillors the applicant was keen to deliver the new homes that are “desperately needed” in the New Forest.

“Pennyfarthing is proud to bring before you a high-quality landscaped development that will make a significant contribution to the provision of new homes in Fordingbridge, building on its previous successful projects within the vicinity,” Ms Bangert said.

The detailed plans followed the outline approval, which was secured last year for 342 dwellings on the wider site.

Alongside 56 open market and 18 affordable housing units, the development on the outskirts of Fordingbridge featured alternative natural recreational greenspace (ANRG) and public open space.

The affordable housing features two one-bed shared ownership apartments, four two-bed and two three-bed affordable rent houses, four three-bed shared ownership houses and six two-bed first homes houses.

The open market properties consist of four one-bed, five two-bed and three three-bed apartments, 27 three-bed and seven four-bed houses, and seven two-bed and three three-bed bungalows.

Cllr Richard Frampton, said the applicant, who is based in New Milton, understood the “local vernacular” of the area.

“I think this is a very well-designed application with many units that would not look out of character even in the National Park,” Cllr Frampton said.

Cllr Barry Rickman added: “It’s the balance that’s so good with this scheme about the different amounts of accommodation there and all I can say is bring on the bungalows too.”

Cllr Jack Davies said he had “major concerns” in relation to the objection made by the council’s own environmental design officers.

The planning officer’s report said it was not considered that the application could be refused on these design detail concerns.

Cllr Davies said he favoured a deferral of the application until there were comments from Hampshire County Council and the Environment Agency on drainage.

The committee was told a specific condition in the outline scheme relating to this subject would be considered at a later date.

Cllr Malcolm Wade said he trusted council officers to make sure the drainage was correct.

The reserved matters application was approved, with 10 votes in favour and one against.