Marchwood’s divisive 150-home Cork Farm development set for New Forest District Council planning approval
CONTROVERSIAL outline plans for 150 homes in Marchwood look set to be approved by New Forest District Council’s planning committee tomorrow (Wednesday).
The application by Oceanic Galaxy proposes a mix of houses and flats up to three-storeys high at Cork Farm to the north-west of the village, on the edge of Southampton Water.
Objections have been received from 38 local people who claim that allowing the application would cause Marchwood to merge with Totton changing the character of the village forever.
Others have raised concerns about drainage and flooding issues; impacts on the road network; air pollution; the loss of wildlife; and the site’s proximity to a waste treatment plan.
The plans submitted to New Forest District Council include 53 of the properties as affordable and more than four hectares of public open space.
The applicants claim the site is in a sustainable location close to a good range of facilities and services, all within walking distance.
However, Marchwood Parish Council said it was maintaining its objections to the plans, claiming future residents especially children would need to cross busy 40mph roads used by HGVs to get to school and/or the bus stop.
NFDC’s urban design officer also raised an objection stating the scheme failed to achieve ‘design expectations’ because it was not comprehensive. The report cautioned it could result in more homes, of poor design which would negatively impact the surrounding conservation area.
However, in a report to NFDC planning committee members, case officer James Gilfillan recommended permission should be granted if the applicant agreed to meet a series of condition.
He acknowledged that although harm would be caused to the neighbouring conservation area, this would be outweighed by benefits of the scheme.
In his report Mr Gilfillan wrote: “The scheme delivers extensive public benefits, including delivery of at least 150 residential properties in a sustainable location, 52 of which would be affordable. New publicly accessible open space. Jobs during construction and residents spend locally. Improvements to walking and cycling routes locally, on and off site.”
He continued: “The scheme would preserve and in some aspects enhance pedestrian and highway safety, comply with requirements to mitigate its impact on protected New Forest and Solent habitats, provide new recreation opportunities for existing residents, meet the needs of occupiers of the scheme and preserve amenity.”
The application will be decided by NFDC’s planning committee during a meeting at Appletree Court in Lyndhurst tomorrow.