Plans emerge for 350 homes on New Forest green belt land

Wyatt Homes is considering a major mixed-use development at Kings Farm, east of Hordle.

The proposal would involve demolishing around 3,500 square metres of existing farm buildings and structures.

It could include up to 350 homes, a two-form entry primary school with nursery provision, and up to 1.3 hectares of new and redeveloped employment land.

Around 20 hectares of green and blue infrastructure is also proposed, including public open space, play areas, sustainable drainage features and alternative natural recreational greenspace.

Vehicle access would be upgraded from Everton Road at Kings Farm Lane, while a separate access from Everton Road could serve the employment land.

Documents state that the development would bring more traffic during construction and once homes were occupied.

However, Wyatt Homes said this could be addressed through traffic measures and a travel plan.

New walking and cycling links are also being considered as part of the proposals.

The report submitted to New Forest District Council looks at possible impact caused by the scheme.

This includes extra traffic, building noise and dust, effects on views, trees, wildlife, nearby listed buildings and farmland.

But the report concludes that, with measures in place to reduce those factors, the development is unlikely to cause significant harm to the environment.

The 33.9-hectare site is largely made up of agricultural fields and lies within the green belt.

It borders existing homes to the west and south, with open fields to the north and east, and a public footpath crosses part of the land.

The site is around 450 metres from the New Forest National Park boundary and is close to the New Forest Special Area of Conservation and Solent and Southampton Water Special Protection Area.

The plans have come to light through an environmental screening request submitted to the local authority.

A spokesperson for Wyatt Homes said: “We are liaising with New Forest District Council to establish whether an Environmental Impact Assessment will be required in relation to proposals for Kings Farm in Hordle.

“We are committed to engaging openly with the community and will undertake a public consultation before any planning application is submitted.”

Wyatt Homes is asking the council to decide whether the scheme would need a full environmental impact assessment before a planning application is submitted.

Known as a screening opinion, the process does not permit the development, and detailed plans have not yet been lodged by the developer.