Bargate Homes wins permission for up to 155 homes on Hordle Lane despite overwhelming objection from residents

ONE-hundred-and-forty letters of objection weren’t enough to stop a plan for 155 new homes in Hordle from being given the green light.

An outline proposal for the 12-hectare Hordle Lane site, earmarked for development in New Forest District Council’s Local Plan, was approved at a meeting of New Forest District Council’s planning committee on Wednesday.

The parish council was among those taking against the hybrid application – including full permission for a recreational area of over three hectares – by developer Bargate Homes.

Cllr Malcolm Wade said he was “sympathetic” to the views of the parish council, but added: “The way forward is to try and work with the developer to mitigate the problems and get solutions which fit with the community, as we have to build houses, and there is no planning reason not to.

“The development – provided we have enough parking and keep the affordable housing – will be a good development.”

Cllr John Sleep said he was “reassured” that conversations would be ongoing with the developer which would give the parish council “a second bite” at any concerns.

The application received 140 letters of objection and two in support. Those against the plans were concerned by the loss of greenbelt, overdevelopment, impact on residents, and a lack of capacity in local schools.

They were also worried about increased traffic and noise, infrequent public transport to serve the development, the impact on wildlife including, loss of trees and potential flood risk.

Hordle Parish Council objected to the plans due to concerns over highway safety, increased traffic, the additional pressure on infrastructure and impact on ecology.

The council had welcomed a 50% affordable housing provision initially proposed for the site, but was “disappointed” this was reduced to 40%.

It added: “The council believes that 155 homes is too great a number for this plot. It will substantially increase the size of the village and there are no plans to improve the infrastructure required to support a larger population.”

The governors of Hordle CE Primary School were also against the plans, stating the development would “negatively impact” the surrounding community, particularly parking for local residents, those visiting nearby All Saints Church and parents of pupils at the school and nursery.

A report to members recommended the application for approval, stating: “There is a clear identified need for both open market and affordable housing of all sizes in the district [and] the proposal for up to 155 new homes will clearly make an important contribution.”

The homes will be a mixture of sizes, from one-bedroom apartments to larger four-bedroom houses, including up to 40% affordable housing.

This will include shared-ownership properties, affordable rent, and social rent homes across a wide mix of sizes and home types delivered by Vivid, the owner of Bargate Homes.

The recreational area includes play sites and woodland, the relocation of 10 allotments and the addition of five new allotments.

Managing director of Bargate Homes, Mark White, said he was “thrilled” with the decision: “It’s another positive step for Bargate Homes to be supporting New Forest District Council’s Local Plan, delivering much-needed new homes for first-time buyers, upsizers and downsizers in the area.

“At this latest 155-home development, we are looking to not only build a fantastic selection of energy-efficient family homes but also provide expansive public open space with a play area and allotments, leaving a lasting legacy for the whole community to enjoy.”