69-home residential development at Land Off Heath Road, Locks Heath, Fareham

The site

The site lies south of Locks Heath Centre, has a predominantly woodland character and contains mature trees, many protected by tree preservation orders.

“Site Description 2.1 The application sites comprises an area of land to the south of Locks Heath Centre. The site’s southern boundary partially adjoins Heath Road which occupies land behind frontage residential development on the northern side of the street. To the west lie houses in Ilex Crescent and to the east of the site are Locks Heath Day Centre and an Adult Respite Centre.”

“The site has a predominantly woodland character and comprises various notable and mature trees, a large number of which are subject to individual or group tree preservation orders (TPOs).”

Officer report

Planning history

Outline permission for 70 homes and access from Heath Road was granted in February 2023, with later approvals and applications relating to access and ecology.

“P17/1366/MA/A Non-Material Amendment to Outline Planning Permission P/17/1366/OA consisting of alterations to the detailed access improvement arrangements Approve 21 st August 2024”

“P/17/1366/OA Residential Development of 70 dwellings with means of vehicular access from heath road (outline application) Approve 6 th February 2023”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The highway authority raised no objection subject to conditions, while ecology and flood authorities sought further details or amendments.

“Local Highway Authority - Hampshire County Council 7.1 No objection, subject to conditions.”

“Ecology 7.6 Concerns raised in relation to proposed planting of non-native species within the landscape strategy. Further amendments are needed.”

Officer report

Objections received

Objections concerned design, cramped development, privacy, parking, highway safety, wildlife, flooding, tree removal, open space and antisocial behaviour.

“Highways • Increased demand for on-street car parking • Insufficient car parking for residents • Highway safety • Should be more visitor parking…”

“Environmental • Noise and Pollution • Impact on wildlife • Will result in increase in flooding • Removal of trees • Reduction in open space…”

Officer report

People who spoke

The committee heard deputations and Councillor Mrs S Bayford addressed members; Councillor S Ingram could not participate in debate or voting.

Members’ concerns

Members acknowledged the housing allocation and outline permission but considered the density, built development, tree loss and arrangement harmful to the area’s character.

“Members discussed the proposal and the relevant material planning considerations at length. It was acknowledged that the site was allocated for housing in the adopted Fareham Local Plan 2037 and benefitted from an existing outline planning permission for 70 dwellings. Concerns were raised by Members relating to the manner and arrangement of the number of dwellings, the density and extent of the built development and the resultant loss of trees.”

Minutes

The vote

A motion to refuse was carried, with six members voting in favour and two against.

“A motion to REFUSE the application for the following reasons was proposed and seconded and voted and CARRIED:”

“By virtue of the number of dwellings proposed and the extent of built development on the site, the cramped manner in which the development is arranged on the site, the relationship with existing established development, and the resultant significant tree removal on the site which includes trees subject to tree preservation orders, the proposal represents an over- development of the site which does not respect the prevailing density of the area, is out of keeping with and…”

Minutes