NFDC ecologist opposes new homes plan off Waltons Avenue in Holbury

PLANS for eight new homes have been unveiled for a brownfield site in Fawley.

If granted by New Forest District Council, the application by Ian Vass would allow demolition of 18 Waltons Avenue in Holbury.

In its place would be four three-bedroom homes and four two-bedroom homes to the rear of the avenue.

The application said the proposed work would make "good use of this underused piece of land" which is currently a garden and would "boost the diverse range of dwellings within the locality".

But NFDC ecologist Chris Hodsman raised an objection to the proposed development because it is "not supported by any ecological information".

Mr Hodsman requested an ecological appraisal of the site, including its potential to be a roost for birds, the "cumulative impact" of new housing near protected areas of the New Forest and the impact of nitrates on water quality.

A water quality report said developments like these are likely to have a "significant effect" on the nitrogen and phosphorous levels in the local water environment, based on evidence found at other sites.

Local residents have also raised concerns with NFDC over new pathways created for the development impacting their privacy.

NFDC is set to make a decision in early December.