NFDC expected to approve plans for 100 homes in Derritt Lane, Bransgore, despite flooding concerns

A 100-HOME development in Bransgore is set to be approved by New Forest District Council despite nearly 140 objections and concerns over flooding.

A report to NFDC's planning committee, which is set to meet next Wednesday, has supported Wyatt Homes' application for dwellings on land south of Derritt Lane.

The site was included in New Forest District Council’s Local Plan, which governs construction outside the national park until 2036, and is earmarked for up to 100 homes.

The application states 70 of the dwellings, which are a mixture of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes, would be sold on the open market.

A further 30 homes, a mixture of one, two and three-bedroom flats and houses, would be available for affordable rent and shared ownership.

That is below the 50% affordable housing policy target for the site, but the committee report said a viability assessment by the applicant had "demonstrated that it is only viable to make 30 units affordable".

The application initially included just 18 affordable properties, but was amended upwards during negotiations with NFDC.

Sopley and Bransgore parish councils both recommended refusal amid concerns about additional traffic and existing flooding issues, which is claimed to make the area impassable in heavy rain.

However, the committee report played down concerns over flooding.

It said: "Flooding and surface water drainage will be adequately dealt with through the delivery of a comprehensive surface water drainage strategy, incorporating features which will reduce the risk of flooding, taking account of future climate change, improve water quality and support biodiversity."

The application attracted 139 letters of objection from members of the public worried about the loss of countryside, the impact on infrastructure such as health facilities and local schools, and the number of affordable homes.

Locals were also concerned about the impact on wildlife, limited public transport to the area and lack of footpaths, as well as suggestions that heavy construction machinery would struggle on the narrow road.

Proposed visitor parking spaces were insufficient, they claimed, and concerns over the noise disturbance and overlooking were also raised.

However, the committee report said the development would deliver "a range of significant, economic, social and environmental benefits".

It stated the homes would make "a significant" contribution to the council's five-year housing supply plan.