309-home residential development at Kings Chase South, Land South Of Ganger Farm, Romsey

“SITE LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION 2.1 The application site covers an area of 18.8 hectares. It is characterised by open land in agricultural/ horticultural use divided into parcels with vegetated field boundaries comprising hedgerows and mature trees. The site is located to the south of the existing Kings Chase residential development.”

“There are four tree preservation orders on and adjacent to the site. Within the site, TPO reference TVBC.1200; land south of Scoreys Crescent, is at the entrance to the site. A confirmed TPO ref: TVBC1255 covers all woodland on the site. There is also one veteran tree within the site: VT391. The Straight Mile, TPO ref. 25.TVC.3 abuts the eastern boundary, forming part of Ganger Wood which is also Ancient and Semi Natural Woodland.”

“The application has previously been presented to Southern Planning Committee on the 4 th February 2025. The committee resolved to grant permission subject to:”

“Following the resolution agreed at the committee meeting on 04 February 2025 there have been some minor changes to the scheme. The applicant no longer seeks to deliver public open space in accordance with g) on and off-site public open space. The application has been amended to provide all public open space on site including outdoor sport provision. The proposal now seeks to provide a BMX pump track, multi-use games area and a single tennis court.”

“The benefits of the scheme are clear. It would bring forward much needed open market and affordable housing, which should be afforded significant weight due to the regional and national housing crisis. Significant weight should also be afforded to the economic benefits immediately associated with the proposal in terms of job creation (both during and after construction) and maintenance and spend in the local economy.”

“Then PERMISSION subject to: Application for approval of the reserved matters for the first phase / the site shall be made to the Local Planning Authority not later than 1 year from the date of this permission. Applications for approval of the reserved matters for the remaining phases shall be made within 3 years from the date of this permission.”

“Braishfield PC – Objection (Summarised). Retained objection following receipt of amended information. The site is not designated as part of the Test Valley Adopted Local Plan 2011-2029. There was never mention of a “Phase 2” This application should be part of the Local Plan process and assessed against local housing need. It is also understood that the site is designated as green field / countryside. Local infrastructure – the road network is already overburdened.”

“Outside the settlement boundary contrary to policy COM2 a and b 2. Development in the countryside 3. Access was for farm traffic only – not accepted for a new housing estate. Only having one access for two estates is unacceptable. Significant impact on traffic in Kings Chase 6. Puts a strain on an already overloaded infrastructure. There is an excess in the 5 year housing supply in TVBC 8.”

“The officer’s recommendation, as per the agenda, was proposed by Councillor M Cooper and seconded by Councillor A Dowden. Upon being put to the vote the motion was carried.”