Public drop-in over plans for 46 Sway homes
SWAY residents are being urged to attend a public meeting over plans for 46 new homes on former green belt land on Church Lane.
The scheme by Hector Hurst of Hurst and Hurst Estates Limited, described by villagers as the most significant for a generation, comprises 43 three-bedroom and three two-bedroom houses, of which half will be affordable. Informal public open space and 92 parking spaces are also being proposed.
Prior to submission of a detailed planning application the plan had been discussed at length in Sway, with around 70 people attending an information session in August led by scheme agents Chapman Lily Planning Ltd.
Speaking to the A&T this week, Sway Parish Council chair of communications Cllr Chris Davis said: “I’m a relative newcomer to the village but I believe there have been discussions over the development of this site for the last 15 years.
“Clearly this will impact those who live close to the site on Church Lane, but this is also a development that will affect everyone in the village in terms of traffic flow and access to shared amenities.”
The site is included in the national park authority's local plan – a keystone document which sets out where major developments should be located within the park until 2036. Its allocation for the development of 40 homes is already accepted, so planning arguments are likely to focus on the scheme design, whether the site can accommodate 46 homes, and the provisions for wildlife and public open space.
Cllr Davis added: “I think everyone now accepts that development will take place, so the focus will be on whether it meets local needs and the needs of the wider New Forest community.”
A design and access statement accompanying the application reveals that all properties have been designed to incorporate two parking spaces and "generous private gardens to the rear", as well as a one hectare area of informal open space that will developed to promote wildlife.
The document continues: “A palette of traditional materials is being used to blend the development into the grain of the village. On the whole, front door entrances to the dwellings will address the public realm in a traditional and confident manner.”
The scheme has also been developed with a number of architectural details designed to complement neighbouring properties, with brick and concealed window lintels, chimney breasts, timber picket fences, full height external chimney stacks and enclosed brick porches.
Multiple access points are proposed along the eastern boundary which have been designed to allow for varied walking routes within the informal green space. The design statement adds: “Residents from outside of the proposed development will be able to make use of the informal green space as, with the entrance being sited close to Church Lane, people will be able to access the green space without it feeling like it is private.”
A resident’s drop in session will take place at Sway Village Hall on Monday 25th October at 6.30pm, attended by Giles Moir from Chapman Lily Planning Ltd, and members of the parish council. Comments on the application can be submitted to the NPA by Wednesday 3rd November.
