Plans for 191 homes in Milford unveiled by Pennyfarthing in public consultation

DRAFT proposals for 191 homes on former greenbelt land close to Milford Primary School have been unveiled by local developer Pennyfarthing Homes.

Residents are now being asked for their views ahead of a formal planning application being lodged for a 30-acre site north of Manor Road, which currently hosts agricultural buildings and glasshouses.

The proposed estate, to be known as Swallowfield Park, would include a mix of one, two, three, four and five-bedroom homes, half of which the developer pledged would be “affordable”.

The land is earmarked in New Forest District Council’s Local Plan for at least 110 homes – significantly fewer than the 191 proposed by Pennyfarthing.

Cllr David Hawkins, NFDC member for Milford, told the A&T he believed the village would struggle even with the minimum number of homes.

“More is not good,” he said. “And we should be looking at at least 60% affordable homes, along with green energy for these new homes – more now than ever before.”

Ben Arnold, land and planning director at Pennyfarthing, said: the consultation was an opportunity to gauge public opinion over the scheme as formal plans are prepared.

“Our proposals will provide significant local benefits. The virtual exhibition shows how the site could accommodate around 191 much-needed new homes, including a significant number of affordable homes for local people in housing need.

“These would include first homes for local ownership, and as part of the council’s vision for the site we also intend to deliver significant areas of new on-site public open spaces, well connected to the local footpath network.”

He also detailed plans for traffic lights and “improvement works” at the A337 junction with Lymington Road at Everton to “address existing issues”.

Pennyfarthing said it will ensure the retention of existing trees and hedgerows, and a “central green” will provide an “attractive new focal point”.

Ten acres of land will be dedicated to recreation space, including a large area to the north which can be used by the wider community.

A footpath will lead to Lymington Road, giving “convenient access” to the school, and cycle routes will be created throughout the site, along with electric vehicle charging points.

Of the 96 homes that Pennyfarthing promises will be affordable, 25% would be discounted “first homes”, designed exclusively for first-time buyers with a local connection, to help them onto the property ladder.

This latest scheme follows the developer’s construction of 42 properties nearby off Lymington Road, which sparked protests before it was granted permission.

Milford Parish Council was approached for comment.

Proposals are available to view and comment on until 12th September. Visit swallowfieldpark.consultationonline.co.uk or call 0800 298 7040 for a hard copy. Comments close on 12th September.