400-home green belt scheme slated for approval by councillors

UNPOPULAR plans to build hundreds of homes on green belt land in West Parley, near Christchurch, have been recommended for approval.

Councillors will consider Wyatt Homes’ application to develop the New Road site into almost 400 houses on Wednesday with Dorset Council planning officers having given their backing to the scheme, writes Josh Wright of the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

But more than 200 people have written in opposition to the scheme, warning that, if approved, the new estate would “destroy” the village community.

The site was earmarked for development in the Christchurch and East Dorset core strategy as part of the councils’ work to meet government housing targets.

Following this, an outline application was submitted by the developer in early 2018 for 386 homes alongside offices, a new supermarket and a park area on land still designated as green belt.

It also includes provision for 19% (73) of the houses being ‘affordable’, despite the council policy requiring 50%.

The application has been criticised by people living in the village with 209 letters of objection submitted and not one in support.

Among them is one from West Parley Parish Council which raises a number of concerns about the proposals.

“The density is too high for this semi-rural village and should not exceed the 320 in the core strategy,” it says.

“The parish council is willing to play its part in accepting new development provided that it is complementary to the area.

“This is an area of low density housing with a substantial number of bungalows and detached houses on large plots.”

Objections were also raised about potential flooding issues, “inadequate” parking provision and the inability of existing roads to cope with increase traffic.

Despite the level of opposition, a report by Dorset Council planning officer Elizabeth Fay recommends that planning permission be granted when it is considered by members of the eastern area planning committee.

“Having had regard to the representations of objection and support and the advice of the various consulted parties, officers consider that the benefits of the scheme significantly outweigh the impacts,” her report says.

“Overall, the proposal represents sustainable development.”

Should the planning application be approved on Wednesday, separate proposals outlining more details of the design of the scheme will need to be submitted before any work can start.