NFDC gives go-ahead for seven new homes in Holbury, with access from Ruxley Close

CONTROVERSIAL plans to build new homes off a cul de sac in Holbury have been given the green light.

NFDC planning chiefs will allow a developer to build seven new bungalows, accessed from Ruxley Close, with parking provision.

Neighbours, who claim parking is already an issue in the road, had urged councillors to refuse the scheme, with 23 public objections and one in support.

Reading a letter from a ward resident, Hardley, Holbury and North Blackfield Independent Cllr Peter Armstrong said refuse trucks can only access the road by reversing in and mounting the pavement.

The letter said: “The council’s technical drawings do not tally with real-life examples, no parked cars are shown.

“There’s no way refuse trucks can get in and out using forward and reverse gears.

“Hants [county council] do not show any parked cars, I think people don’t realise how congested it’s getting.”

Councillors heard the fire service was unable to enter the street to tackle a property fire several years ago, and access could get worse if the council introduces wheelie bins.

“The road can’t keep up with more traffic and parking problems,” Cllr Armstrong added.

A council officer replied by saying there are allocated parking spaces for each home in the street, and the county’s highways department had raised no objections to the scheme.

NFDC vice-chair and Totton Central Conservative Cllr John Sleep said he was “quite happy” with the proposed development.

Expressing support for the plan, Downlands and Forest North Green Cllr Janet Richards said there was no suggestion building the houses would make parking in the area worse.

Giving more moderate support, Dibden and Dibden Purlieu Lib Dem Cllr Malcolm Wade said: “We shouldn’t build houses at any cost, and I have sympathy for the residents.”

Cllr Wade said the highways department “won’t object [to development plans] unless it’s an appeal they can win” adding that highways staff have said exactly that during past NFDC meetings.

He added: “I’m not saying I’m going against this but it’s difficult to support it.”

Milford and Hordle Tory Cllr David Hawkins said: “We’re the voice of the Forest and there’s a big shout about this [plan].

“I’ve driven big lorries… and I wouldn’t want to back round that corner [of Ruxley Close].”

Hardley, Holbury and North Blackfield Conservative Cllr Allan Glass said he had discussed the proposed building with parish councillors, adding: “I’ve never seen a group of councillors so horrified when they heard an application.”

Officers reassured NFDC members the homes would be within a permitted development area where there is an assumption in favour of development.

In response, Cllr Wade asked “how far behind” the council is in terms of building new houses.

Officers said the authority’s housebuilding is currently on track, adding: “But that was before the new government adjusted its algorithm quite significantly to increase what this council has to supply.”

Ashurst, Bramshaw, Copythorne and Netley Marsh Independent Cllr Joe Reilly asked: “Are we not obliged to build homes that are safe to get to, pleasant to live in, and sustainable, because Ruxley Close is barely any wider than my drive.”

Officers replied that the application was made in a “defined urban area” where such development is “acceptable in principle”. The officers said the site is adequately served for parking and access, adding: “It’s difficult to imagine a more appropriate development in an urban area.”

Councillors voted 10-2 in favour of granting planning permission, with one abstention.