A DEVELOPER wants to build new homes in a Test Valley village and the planning officers are backing their proposal.

Test Valley Building LLP, registered in Salisbury, is seeking full permission to demolish a barn and a bungalow to build four homes.

According to the case officer's report, the Southern Area Planning Committee will have the final vote "as it represents a departure from the Local Plan and objections have been received within the specified time."

Councillors will make the decision at a meeting on Tuesday, June 10.

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Bowers Farm, Pound Lane, Plaitford (Image: Test Valley Building LLP) The application has received four letters of objection, which list reasons ranging from "creep in the countryside" to "should be reduced to two dwellings" and issues such as affordability.

Henry Robson, of Pound Lane, said: "I strongly object to a development of this scale at Bowers Farm, on the basis that the local roads can not and should not have to handle the extra volume of traffic.

"The road is already in a state of disrepair and [is] narrow for 300 metres. Other than my driveway way there are no passing places for more than 400 meters; this is already becoming damaged by construction traffic.

"I would be in support of an application for fewer dwellings, which the local infrastructure might just be able to support, but four extra dwellings are too many for this site."

The land in question is part of a vacant farmyard, with barns and hard standing, which is accessed from an existing access point on Pound Lane. The farmyard is located next to a farmhouse and wider agricultural fields.

Unlike the residents, Melchet Park and Plaiford Parish Council did not object. It said: "Whilst there is some concern regarding the amount of hedgerow and number of trees to be destroyed, the Parish Council feels insufficiently qualified to make any other comment on this amendment."

The case officer, although recognising aspects of the development were contrary to Test Valley planning policy, recommended it should be permitted.

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They said: "The conversion of the buildings on the site at plots one to three has been permitted and is clearly more than a theoretical prospect.

"The likely residential use of the site is a significant factor in determining this application and weighs significantly in favour of granting permission.

"Considering this, coupled with the proposals representing an improvement of the character and appearance of the surrounding area, and no adverse impact on amenity, highways or ecology, permission is recommended subject to conditions, contrary to the provisions of the Test Valley Borough Revised Local Plan."