Two two-bedroom homes at Site of 32 New Road, Ringwood

What was proposed

Two detached chalet-style two-bedroom homes were proposed, with solar panels, parking, landscaping, cycle and bin storage.

“To the east, west and south of the site is land which benefits from a lawful development certificate for open commercial storage of single stacked containers with ancillary parking, access and turning areas for vehicles in connection with that use. Within this area to the east is a detached building in use as a car repair workshop. The site is bound on all sides by a 1.8m high close boarded fence and is accessed from the end of New Road via a five bar gate.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

An application for two affordable homes was withdrawn, while an earlier outline application for two bungalows was refused and its appeal dismissed.

“4PLANNING HISTORY ProposalDecision Date Decision Description StatusAppeal Description 23/11228 Erection of 2 affordable dwellings; hard & soft landscaping 26/01/2024Withdrawn by Applicant Withdrawn 17/11772 2 bungalows (Outline application with all matters reserved) 13/02/2018RefusedAppeal Decided Appeal Dismissed 5PLANNING POLICY AND GUIDANCE Local Plan Review On February 4th 2026 Cabinet approved a report that recommended that this Council starts the public consultation…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission, finding that the site could be grey belt land and that the benefits outweighed the identified harms.

“12CONCLUSION / PLANNING BALANCE The recently published Green Belt Study Part 2 - Final Report concludes that the land within which this site is situated can be considered to be'potentially suitable for definition as grey belt land'in view of the limited contribution it has to the three relevant purposes of the Green Belt. Therefore, in line with NPPF Green Belt policy, there are no objections to the principle of the development in this location.”

“There are no significant concerns arising from the proposed development in terms of its impact on highway safety or residential amenity, both for existing and future occupiers and there may be some small economic benefit from the proposal during construction and on occupation.”

Officer report

What consultees said

The town council recommended refusal over Green Belt policy, while highways, policy, ecology and environmental health consultees raised no objection subject to requirements.

“Neighbourhood Plan Ringwood Neighbourhood Plan Policy R10: Zero Carbon Buildings Policy R7: The Ringwood Design Code National Planning Policy Framework 2024 NPPF Ch. 5 - Delivering a sufficient supply of homes NPPF Ch.11 - Making effective use of land NPPF Ch.12 - Achieving well-designed places NPPF Ch.13 - Protecting Green Belt land National Planning Policy Guidance 6PARISH / TOWN COUNCIL COMMENTS Ringwood Town Council R(4) Recommend refusal.”

“7COUNCILLOR COMMENTS No comments received 8CONSULTEE COMMENTS Comments have been received from the following consultees: HCC Highways No objection subject to condition, offer advice regarding dropped kerbs.”

Officer report

Residents’ concerns

Three representations opposed the proposal, citing possible loss of light, overlooking, traffic, Green Belt development, poor land management and design.

“9REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED The following is a summary of the representations received. ·concern about potential loss of light to main living space; ·overlooking of garden; ·poor land management should not be a reason for allowing development; ·site is within the Green Belt; ·increased traffic in a cul de sac; ·not in keeping.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Cllr Philip Day spoke for Ringwood Town Council.

The committee’s decision

Delegated authority was given to grant permission, subject to a Section 106 agreement securing habitat mitigation and air-quality monitoring and the stated conditions.

“Delegated Authority be given to the Service Manager Development Management to GRANT PERMISSION subject to:”

Minutes