Five residential dwellings at Land Adjacent To 11 Ox Drove, Picket Piece, Andover

“PROPOSAL 3.1 The proposal is to erect five residential dwellings onsite, all with respective garages, parking and landscaping. A new vehicle access is being proposed along the eastern side of the site along with the relevant infrastructure and new planting.”

“SITE LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION 2.1 The subject site on the land adjacent to 11 Ox Drove, Picket Piece, Andover. This site is within the countryside boundary as outlined within the Local Plan and vacant apart from the existing vegetation onsite. The site increases in elevation to the south-east rear of the site. Access to the site is via Ox Drove.”

“...the proposed development would harm the character and appearance of the area and, in this respect would be contrary to Policy E1 and E2 of the Test Valley Revised Local Plan and Paragraph 127 of the National Planning Policy Framework (The Framework).”

“The Inspector was of the view that the harm to the character and appearance of the area would significantly outweigh the benefits of the proposed development.”

“Whilst it is considered that the form and scale of the proposed dwellings would be similar to the existing residential development on the opposite side of Ox Drove in the Picket Piece development areas the development would nevertheless result in harm to the character of the area in terms of its layout because it places housing in an otherwise rural context.”

“CONCLUSION 9.1 The proposal is contrary to the development plan in that it proposes residential development in a countryside location, Notwithstanding this, in accordance with the presumption of sustainable development (NPPF paragraph 11(d)), the benefits of the development, namely the provision of housing would significantly outweigh the harm identified to the character and appearance of the area. On balance permission is recommended.”

“CONSULTATIONS 5.1 Ecology: No objection, subject to conditions.”

“Environmental Health: Comments in relation to noise, contamination and drainage.”

“REPRESENTATIONS Expired 19.08.2025 6.1 Andover Town Council (Downlands): Objection for the following reasons:”

“Impact on the rural character of the area. • Drainage of surface water is a concern. • Referred to previous applications in the area which have been refused by Council. • Removal of a large hedge along the street frontage. • Visual impact of these dwellings on the area. • Scale and appearance of the dwellings. • Overdevelopment.”

“The motion as set out in the agenda was proposed by Councillor Budzynski and seconded by Councillor Neal. Upon being put to the vote the motion fell.”

“REFUSED for the reason: The proposal by virtue of the density of development and the fact the development is formed in depth relative to Ox Drove and that these dwellings would be located on rising land south of Ox Drove, is unacceptable. The character and appearance of the southern side of Ox Drove mainly comprises a mix of frontage development and low density housing.”

“A motion for refusal was proposed by Councillor Donnolly and seconded by Councillor Borg Neal. Upon being put to the vote the motion was carried.”