COUNCILLORS have thrown out a plan to build 85 homes in Oakley.

Gleeson Developments had asked for outline permission to build the homes with associated landscaping, open space and car parking, on land west of Beech Tree Close.

As previously reported in The Gazette, the plans have been strongly contested by villagers who formed an action group last year to object to the proposals.

Dr Ian Prescott, a father-of-three, spoke against the plans at last week’s development control committee, and said: “The scheme’s implications on road safety are unacceptable.”

Oakley Parish Councillor Tom Favell, chairman of planning, said that the application undermined the work of the Neighbourhood Plan, which is due to be approved by Oakley Parish Council next month.

He pointed out that almost 2,000 villagers (nearly 50 per cent of those eligible to vote) took part in a consultation on the plan, and the majority expressed their preferred option for housing was to spread it across five sites in Oakley.

Cllr Favell also said the development would have an impact on the landscape, increase traffic through the village and worsen parking problems that already exist in the Hill Road area.

Cllr Rob Golding, borough councillor for Oakley and North Waltham, asked the committee to refuse the application.

He said: “It would completely undermine the planning process in relation to the local plan.”

He also pointed out that it would have a “severe impact on existing road users”.

The committee heard that Hampshire County Council had been invited to attend the meeting, so members could ask questions regarding highways, but had declined to come.

Oakley and North Waltham Cllr Stuart Frost said: “I was hoping that Hampshire County Council would have been here tonight so we could have grilled the traffic officer. But could you explain how, when you have a busy road like Hill Road, how will narrowing the pinch-point improve traffic?”

Council officers responded to say that visibility would be improved at the junction and that buses stopping at the pinch-point would act as a “rolling road block”.

Cllr Frost said: “Thank you to the officer for trying to defend what I believe is fairly indefensible.”

He described the access design as “ludicrous”, adding: “I can’t get my head round that by narrowing the road and moving a give-way will make traffic move more smoothly through what is actually the third busiest road in Oakley.”

Popley West Councillor Jane Frankum said: “I really wanted this to work because I want to see more social housing. Everything seems to be going for it then I start hearing about the highways problems and safety problems and parking problems.”

Cllr Frost put forward a motion to refuse the application on the grounds of the impact on transport, the conservation area and sewerage, and because it prejudices the neighbourhood plan.

Cllr Diane Taylor, who represents Oakley and North Waltham, seconded the motion, and added: “It’s looking to spill more traffic on to roads that can’t take it.”

She added that it would cause “mayhem” in the village.

Baughurst and Tadley North Councillor Michael Bound said: “When it comes down to it I don’t know if I have heard reasons for refusal that I feel would stand the test were this to be appealed.”

However, councillors voted in favour of refusing the application.