Outline application by L Reeves and Merlion Capital Corporation for up to 196 homes on land north of Cooks Lane, Totton, approved by NFDC

A DEVELOPMENT of almost 200 homes on Forest agricultural land has been granted approval more than two years after the application was submitted.

The outline application for up to 196 properties by L Reeves and Merlion Capital Corporation sought permission for the development of land north of Cooks Lane with a mix of two, three and four-bedroom houses and flats.

Of the properties, 127 would be market homes, with the remaining a mixture of affordable and social rent, and affordable home ownership.

New access roads would be created from Cooks Lane and Pauletts Lane, and the development would have 393 car parking spaces. An existing property on the site would be kept.

The site is included in New Forest District Council's Local Plan, which earmarks the wider strategic site 1, known as Totton north, for up to 1,000 homes.

The council’s planning committee met to discuss the application last Wednesday, with officers recommending its approval.

A report explained the scheme would have “significant social benefits” and “make a very significant contribution” to housing supply in the district.

Cllr John Sleep raised concerns over pedestrians using Pauletts Lane, which was only wide enough for two cars to pass, but added :”We’ve got to have housing, everyone accepts that.”

Cllr Joe Reilly echoed the concerns, explaining: “I’ve walked down [there] many, many times and it is a very dangerous road. There are no pavements and I am very, very concerned.

“The other thing is, I am concerned about flooding, I know the area very well and you get a lot of surface water [there]. As the climate is changing, the volume of rain we’re getting, it is really concerning.”

However, members voted in favour of the plans, with eight votes to three and one abstention.

The application drew 41 letters of objections from locals, who say social housing is out of character for the area, increased traffic could impact pedestrian safety, and the scheme is an overdevelopment.

Other concerns raised include the design and density being out of keeping, overlooking, anti-social behaviour, flooding, and disturbance to residents during construction.

Totton and Eling Town Council was also against the “unsatisfactory” scheme. In its response to the council, it said residents who have not been previously overlooked will be “surrounded” by new housing, the development will impact wildlife, and Pauletts Lane would not manage with the increased traffic volume.

Ten supporting letters praised the provision of new homes, the housing mix, and nearby green space.