Crest Nicholson South’s application for 443 homes on land off Moortown Lane, Ringwood, recommended for approval by NFDC
A DEVELOPMENT of nearly 450 homes near Ringwood which has sparked more than 100 complaints is set to be approved.
Crest Nicholson South submitted a hybrid application for land off Moortown Lane, which seeks full permission for 150 homes and outline permission for up to 293 dwellings.
The land, about 29 hectares, is earmarked for development in the NFDC’s Local Plan. The application is due to be discussed at a meeting of the planning committee next Wednesday.
A report to councillors recommends approval, due to the “significant contribution” to the district’s housing supply.
Phase one would see the delivery of of 150 homes, a mixture of one and two-bedroom flats and three and four-bedroom houses.
Of these properties, 75 are earmarked for affordable housing through social rent, affordable rent and shared ownership.
Access to the site will be from Moortown Lane, including a new pedestrian and cycle crossing to the south.
Areas of public open space would also be created, including two children’s play areas.
The second phase – the outline application – would provide 58 affordable properties.
As reported in the A&T, Ringwood Town Council has objected to the scheme, ruling the developer should “go back to the drawing board”.
Among the council’s objections are the provision of 30% affordable dwellings instead of the policy-compliant 50%.
NFDC received 117 letters of objection, with residents concerned over the loss of agricultural land, the impact on amenities including GPs and dentists, additional traffic, potential flood risk and poor design.
Concerns included flooding, the impact on infrastructure including schools and doctors’ surgeries, and increased traffic, as well as the loss of greenbelt land.
Two letters of support were also submitted.
A report to NFDC’s planning committee states: “The proposal will make a significant contribution to the established housing need in the district.
“The development will deliver 133 affordable dwellings… including social-rented units, 46 affordable-rented units and 40 shared-ownership units.
“The inclusion of the proposed affordable housing weighs significantly in favour of an approval of permission.”