Objections lodged after Crest Nicholson South reveals 491-home plan at Moortown Lane, Ringwood

NEW proposals for nearly 500 homes in Ringwood have sparked fears that the town’s infrastructure cannot cope with more new housing.

Residents have hit out at the latest planning application for land at Moortown Lane, earmarked for construction in New Forest District Council’s Local Plan, which sets out development policy.

Developer Crest Nicholson South is seeking full approval for 168 homes, plus outline permission for another 323 to be delivered in phases.

However, the scheme omits a new school – despite one being marked for the site by NFDC.

The developer claimed it was not needed as “there would be concerns with its sustainability, and the knock-on impact upon the existing schools”.

Fifteen residents have already written in objection, warning that this was not the only housing scheme to target Ringwood.

Taylor Wimpey plans 400 homes and employment space north of Hightown Road, while the nearby 175-home Beaumont Park development is barely three years old.

Objectors to the new Crest Nicholson bid have raised concerns that the cumulative effect will be too much.

One said: “Ringwood is being raped by developers and one must question why the local authority is allowing this to happen.

“It is obvious to everyone (which must include the local authority) that this rate of development in not sustainable with the local infrastructure.”

Another added: “Retaining the greenfield is vital to combat climate change and to produce crops and livestock. Don’t let this precious resource disappear under toxic concrete.”

Crest Nicholson’s plans include half of the homes overall as affordable, plus recreational green space.

It said: “Overall, the proposed development will make a significant contribution towards meeting the affordable housing needs of the district and will create housing choice which promotes a new mixed, balanced and sustainable development.”

The first phase of 168 homes would comprise eight one-bedroom properties, 57 two-bedroom, 77 three-bedroom, 18 four-bedroom and eight five-bedroom homes.

Access to the site was proposed from Moortown Lane, with a new pedestrian and cycle crossing to land south of that. Junctions would also be enhanced, including the one between the B3347 Christchurch Road and Moortown Lane.

There are 390 parking spaces proposed for the first phase, below the 401 required by NFDC policy, but the developer said that was sustainable.

Crest Nicholson has already successfully argued there is no obligation it provide allotments. It also said there is a low risk of flooding at the site.