Flats approved for site of former New Milton care home despite wildlife warnings
WARNINGS that developers’ profits are being prioritised over wildlife did not persuade planners to reject 10 new flats in New Milton.
The application by Pennyfarthing Homes for two blocks of five flats, plus 18 parking spaces, in Herbert Road was considered by New Forest District Council's planning committee during a meeting in Lyndhurst.
Branding the proposed development “too big, too bulky and completely out of character”, Cllr Fran Carpenter warned that, if allowed, the green and leafy character of the street would be changed forever.
NFDC planning officer Jim Bennett explained the site had been the subject of two failed planning bids in 2016 and 2018 for a single block of 27 sheltered-housing apartments.
Mr Bennett said that in the new plans, gaps between the buildings would reduce their mass and make them less dominant in the street.
He added: “The matter is finely balanced, but officers consider the proposal has gone as far as it can with design to enable the use of the roof space and make the most efficient use of the land.”
On behalf of Pennyfarthing Homes, Matt Holmes said the application had come forward after a consultation exercise with the local community, and had been designed to integrate with the existing street scene.
He said: “The development has been split into two blocks separated by a driveway – splitting the development in this way will ensure it will respect the rhythm and spacing of buildings elsewhere on this side of the street.”
However, New Milton Town Council was strongly opposed to the scheme, claiming that it was contrary to the town’s local distinctiveness planning document, and lacked sufficient parking and green space.
Eleven neighbours also objected citing over-development, lack of parking, loss of wildlife, overlooking, and noise and air pollution.
Speaking on behalf of neighbours, Alan Bailey of York Avenue described the proposal as “too massive and completely out of character”.
He said: “As residents of York Avenue we will be overlooked by 14 new windows on the first and second floors – we will have no privacy.
“All existing vegetation will be destroyed and associated wildlife with it. Currently gardens act as a green corridor for wildlife and are a haven for birds.”
Cllr Fran Carpenter declared: “This is a green and leafy road and this will be the beginning of its change forever. There seems to be less and less regard given to the New Milton local distinctiveness guidance.”
However, Cllr Ann Sevier said the development would help meet a desperate shortage of small flats in an area that was well served by local amenities. Permission was granted by 14 votes to one.
