104-home development at Land east of Phase 8 Hoburne Farm Estate, Christchurch

What was proposed

The application proposed 104 homes, public open space, landscaping and infrastructure, including roads, paths and access from Cornflower Drive.

“Redevelopment of land adjacent to phase 8 Hoburne Farm to provide 104 residential dwellings, public open space, landscaping and infrastructure (to include roads, pathways and access to Cornflower Drive). There is an existing access to the site from Cornflower Drive that the proposal will utilise.”

“The proposed landscaping includes creation of public amenity spaces including a children’s play area, reinstatement of an existing walled garden and informal footways to improve connectivity across the site. The public open space is proposed along the eastern boundary to create a buffer between the proposed development and Verno House, which is a non-designated heritage asset.”

Officer report

The site and its surroundings

The 4.8-hectare site is open land at the settlement edge, beside residential estates, woodland, a conservation area and listed buildings.

“The site is located at the edge of the existing settlement boundary, south of the A35 Lyndhurst Road and borders the Verno Lane Conservation Area to the east and Hoburne Lane to the south in the Highcliffe area of Christchurch. The site is accessed via Cornflower Drive with no direct access onto the A35 Lyndhurst Road.”

“The topography of the site is relatively flat, with a gentle rise in levels to the eastern boundary with access road of Verno House. The site is adjoined to the south and west by established residential developments of Hoburne Farm Estate and Manning Avenue whilst to the east is the sporadic development which forms the Verno Lane Conservation Area.”

Officer report

Earlier planning decisions

An earlier outline scheme for up to 121 homes was refused, while part of the site has permission for 38 homes.

“Additionally, part of the site benefits from an outline permission for 38 houses. The reserved matters application for this scheme is currently under consideration. Table 1 below lists the relevant planning history for the application site.”

“In addition to the extant planning permission covering part of the site, there is an outline permission for up to 875 homes and associated infrastructure at Roeshot Hill, North of A35 and directly opposite to the application site that was approved on 13/03/2019 (8/16/2932/OUT). Whilst this development is yet to be fully implemented, it has commenced and is a material consideration for the current application.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

Two objectors, two applicant supporters and a ward councillor spoke, with the councillor described as generally supportive.

The vote and decision

The committee voted 10 for, none against and one abstention, then granted permission in accordance with the officer recommendation and addendum.

“RESOLVED to GRANT permission in accordance with the recommendation set out in the officer’s report as updated by the Committee Addendum dated 18.2.26.”

Minutes