Planned homes might be 'left to burn' to protect environment

HOMES on a proposed major new development near Ringwood could be left to burn down if there was a blaze in order to protect rare animal species, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service has warned.

The concern was raised over outline plans submitted to New Forest District Council by Gladman Developments Ltd to transform land at Snails Lane, Blashford, with 143 properties.

Chief fire officer Neil Odin stated in his service’s response to the scheme that should houses built there catch fire, crew may allow a “controlled burn” of some properties because any “fire water run off” containing foam from the hoses could pose a risk to protected species in the nearby lake.

“Should a serious unsuppressed fire occur at the premises, the water environment may become polluted,” he said.

The site east of the A338 Salisbury Road, which is within the green belt, has been earmarked by NFDC for the development of 100 homes, among 10,500 to be built outside the national park by 2036.

The proposed development has already attracted controversy. As reported in the A&T, TV naturalist Chris Packham has called for the site to be protected because of its proximity to Blashford Lakes nature reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The area, Mr Packham has argued, is popular with wildlife, including otters, oyster catchers, bats and over 100 species of birds.

Gladman’s application said the new homes would help tackle the current shortfall of accommodation, as well as offer “opportunities for biodiversity enhancements”.

The scheme would include a children’s play area, it added, green space to relieve pressure on the New Forest, and a drainage basin to retain surface water and provide new wildlife habitat.

The application also claims 72 dwellings will be set aside for below open-market prices.

Developing the site is opposed by Ringwood Town Council.

At its recent planning meeting, Cllr Hilary Edge said: “This will destroy the rare wildlife that is there for ever. There is also an issue that it could flout national planning laws.”

Residents have also warned the construction of so many properties will add to congestion on the “dangerous” main road and put future residents at risk of flooding.

Others have said extra traffic from a site with poor transport links would transform the character of Snails Lane, a private road used by commoners to drive livestock onto the New Forest.

Asked for a clarification on the contents of Mr Odin’s document, the fire service suggested the A&T made a Freedom of Information request.