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Homes development to hit 400 houses – 130 more than originally planned




The draft plan stated only 270 homes would be built on the site
The draft plan stated only 270 homes would be built on the site

A DEVELOPER has revealed plans to build 400 homes on a site in Ringwood – 130 more than the minimum number proposed.

Taylor Wimpey (TW) representative Jane Piper provoked sarcastic laughter and scoffs from a packed Ringwood Town Council chamber when she insisted the number was justified and “not about getting the numbers in” to maximise profits.

She made the comment while making a presentation at the latest full council meeting that revealed the company’s provisional plan to develop land to the north of Hightown Road.

The land is Strategic Site 14 in New Forest District Council’s draft Local Plan, which outlines housing policy locally until 2036. It is currently undergoing a public examination.

The draft states that at least 270 homes will go there, but Mrs Piper explained TW plans 400 units in addition to locating businesses at the employment land designated to the north of the site.

That drew gasps from some of the 30-plus residents who packed out the meeting to listen, with some later rounding on the developer and criticising its plans.

Mrs Piper claimed the land, which has been used for farming, was “relatively sterile” – another comment which drew derision from audience members who said it housed numerous species and was a haven for deer and birds of prey, and pointed out it was not green belt land.

If it is developed with more houses than the suggested minimum, Mrs Piper said, housing proposed for other green belt sites in the Local Plan may not be needed. That would protect those sites from development, she suggested, adding: “But that’s an issue for the district [council].”

Mrs Piper told the audience the company had agreed an option on the site but its plans were at a very early stage and it still needed to undertake surveys and studies.

There was scant precise details, she explained, because that would come after discussions with the council and other stakeholders.

Mrs Piper said the site would comprise 50% affordable housing – however, that would comply with the government’s definition, which may be different from that understood by many.

“This will be [government] policy compliant and will provide 200 affordable homes – of those 70% will be social rent and the other 30% will be shared ownership,” she added.

“In terms of the market housing it will be two, three and four-bedroom [homes] as there is a need in this district as a whole [for that type of housing] – and Ringwood is pretty much reflective of it – for family houses and also for downsizers.”

She promised there would be a buffer zone of land included, which will be protected from future development, plus the site will feature a suitable alternative natural greenspace area (SANG).

However, the size of the SANG drew derision from residents – who also laughed when Mrs Piper suggested they would determine how to use the area and even hold “parties” there.

Mrs Piper said the developer was prepared to make financial contributions to local causes, such as Scout groups, and was conscious of the need to undertake flooding and drainage surveys.

One resident, Phil West, who lives in a cottage at the site, said he needed assurances over the area, which had been affected by flooding. He unsuccessfully tried to get a guarantee from Mrs Piper over his house – she said he should speak with TW.

After further questioning there were gasps from the audience when Elizabeth Burt – TW’s strategic land and planning manager – revealed it would take the company five years to build the development from scratch.

It was thought construction could start by 2021 or 2022, and members noted Highways England plans to start its major multi-million-pound upgrade of the A31 in 2021. The two projects running alongside one another would create traffic chaos, deputy mayor Cllr Philip Day stressed.

Mrs Piper and Ms Burt said the company would come up with traffic management and construction plans alongside the district council that would take all the issues into consideration.

TW will hold an exhibition as part of its public consultation over the plans at The Tithe Barn, Elm Tree pub, on Wednesday 3rd July from 3pm to 8pm. Its plan is currently on display at Ringwood Town Council’s Gateway offices.



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