Objections over plans for at least 150 homes at Cork Farm in Marchwood

OUTLINE plans for at least 150 homes in Marchwood have sparked objections from local residents.

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.

Plans submitted to New Forest District Council include 53 of the properties as affordable and more than four hectares of public open space.

The applicant pointed to the site’s sustainable location close to a good range of facilities and services, all within walking distance.

But villagers warned Marchwood was being “overwhelmed” and did not have the infrastructure to cope with the level of development proposed.

One objector who lives adjacent to the site said: “This is a beautiful site in a village that has changed beyond all recognition. Can the powers that be please leave us with some green space?

“Marchwood does not have the amenities for 150 new homes – we have to travel to Dibden Purlieu to attend the doctor, and I doubt the schools have the capacity needed.

“Living directly alongside the site for over 20 years I have seen the extent of flooding there, so have grave concerns that changing the levels will worsen the issue, potentially causing damage to existing homes.”

Another opponent said: “Schools in the village are at full capacity – Marchwood does not have the infrastructure to cope now, let alone with 150 new homes.

“Our roads are full of commercial vehicles which create excessive noise and pollution. You will only be adding to this whilst construction takes place and then furthermore with the additional families and cars.”

One local resident commented: “Raising the lower ground by a staggering 1.5 metres before any construction or foundation work has taken place means the development would tower over the road.

“This site already floods dangerously, with very deep water overfilling trenches flooding into Admiralty Way.

“Please, leave our only green wildlife and natural area left in Marchwood alone.”

Other residents questioned whether the smell from the water treatment plant would be tackled before new houses are built in close to it.

The applicant said steps would be taken to protect trees and boundary vegetation on the site, including protected oaks, and a series of “green corridors” would link the homes with the landscape.

To mitigate the impact of existing electricity pylons and cranes within and around the site, additional trees will be planted on the site’s boundary and lost hedgerows will be replaced.

The application argued it was “unlikely” the development would impact upon the character of the area given the “limited” view of the site.

It also said the site “does not represent, in a perceptual or physical sense, a landscape of any great importance or character” and was not “worthy of any particular sensitivity or protection”.

A decision is scheduled by NFDC after the deadline for public comments on 20th May. Further details would have to be approved in a second application before construction could begin.