Outline application for 82 homes on land east of Lower Pennington Lane submitted to New Forest District Council

PLANS for 82 homes in Pennington have been submitted to New Forest District Council after a consultation sparked more than 150 objections from locals.

Developer Cicero Estates has now lodged an outline application for a mixture of two, three and four-bed homes on agricultural land east of Lower Pennington Lane – with the eastern side of the site adjoining Oakhaven Hospice.

A public consultation carried out over the summer prompted 151 responses from local residents, some of whom comprise campaign group the Pennington and Lymington Lanes Society (PALLS).

They listed a wide range of concerns – the principal issues being highway safety and increased traffic on roads which are narrow, without pavements and bordered by ditches.

There were also fears that any widening or straightening of Lower Pennington Lane or Ridgeway Lane would impact the rural character of the area.

Furthermore, residents felt the homes would not meet the needs of young people and families, and would impact adversely on wildlife and increase the risk of flooding in neighbouring properties.

Some positive comments had also been received, however, with residents pleased the development would bring “much-needed investment in local infrastructure”.

Others believed the homes would encourage young people into the area and support local businesses.

The site forms the majority of Strategic Site 6 in NFDC’s Local Plan – a keystone document which lists 18 sites for development with thousands of homes until 2036.

The eight-hectare plot is allocated for at least 100 homes.

Cicero stated in its application that its site excludes the “modest parcel at its north-west, which will be brought forward at a later date by another party” and which it has “had regard to”.

Connections between the sites have been considered in bringing the plans forward, it stated.

The applicant said it had “taken on board” concerns raised by making “minor modifications” to the arrangement of green space and reviewing boundaries to neighbouring properties.

There had also been some “reconsideration” of the arrangements of the dwellings.

“It is considered that the development now proposed is capable of garnering the support of both the public and technical consultees and we welcome the council’s detailed consideration of the proposals,” stated the application.

Cicero detailed a “landscape-led approach” with regard for the site’s proximity to the national park, and proposals included public open space and recreational green space, including play facilities.

The application continued: “The site is not subject to any protected environmental designations and there are no issues of flooding or contamination on the site.

“It is located within the blanket designation Flood Zone 1 and, as such, is subject to a less than 0.1% chance of flooding occurring each calendar year.”

NFDC will make a decision after the deadline for public comments on 27th January. If the outline plan is agreed, further details will have to be approved before work can start.