One self-build dwelling at Keeper's Hill, Amport

“PROPOSAL 3.1 Permission in Principle (PiP) is sought for the erection of one self-build dwelling.”

“The site is currently screened by a row of mature trees along the south- western boundary with Keepers Hill. The trees adjacent to Keepers Hill to the south-east of the application site are protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).”

“The application site is located within the Amport and Monxton Conservation Area. There are many listed buildings in the vicinity, including the Sheppard Almshouses to the north which are Grade II listed.”

“HISTORY 4.1 25/00306/FULLN - Retention of vehicular access and hard standing. Withdrawn 06.06.25”

“Inside the conservation area. • Not conserving the natural woodland and uninterrupted countryside on the existing boundary of the village. • Would affect the drainage to Sheppard Spring House and the Almshouses. • It appears that many of the trees have TPOs. • Overlooking towards neighbouring properties. • There are already flooding issues in the village. • Sustainability – objection to infilling woodland within the natural treed curtilage of the historic village.”

“Contrary to the Amport Neighbourhood Plan. • Precedent for future development. • Within the conservation area. • The access is dangerous because it is dark, there are well-established trees, there is no footpath, and it’s a bus route. • Keepers Hill is steep, icy in winter and has flooding issues, and a full report from and necessary work by Southern Water will be needed. • Overlooking towards neighbouring properties. • Outside the current building line for Amport.”

“The proposals would contribute towards the council’s supply of self-build Properties. In addition, the proposals would result in economic benefits to the local area during construction and occupation. This weighs in favour of the approval of the scheme, but has limited weight because the proposed number of dwellings is modest.”

“On balance, it is considered that the cumulative weight in favour of the development derived from: • the site’s proximity to the settlement boundary and community facilities supporting the vitality of the rural community, • the provision of a dwelling towards the council’s 5-year HLS, • the provision of a dwelling towards the council’s supply of self-build properties, • and the economic benefits from construction and occupation, would outweigh the harm in departing from…”

“The motion as set out in the agenda and update paper was proposed by Councillor Budzynski and seconded by Councillor Z Brooks. Upon being put to the vote the motion was carried.”

“Delegate to the Director of Planning and Building subject to: • The purchase of nitrate credits. Then PERMISSION in PRINCIPLE subject to: Notes: In reaching this decision Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) has had regard to the National Planning Policy Framework and takes a positive and proactive approach to development proposals focused on solutions.”

“Details of any boundary treatment, driveway/access material and external lighting in accordance with Policies E1, E2, E5, E8 and E9 of the Test Valley Borough Revised Local Plan 2016; • A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal and an Ecological Conservation Impact Assessment; • An Arboricultural Impact Assessment, Method Statement and Tree Protection Plan in compliance with BS.5837:2012, including details of the replacement trees required under 21/02969/DDCA and 25/00089/DDCA,…”