THE Development Control Committee of the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has approved an application to build two detached dwellings, which was strongly objected to by the parish council and the neighbours.

The outline application for the erection of two detached dwellings including access and layout on land adjoining Pamber Green Riding School in New Road had received 58 objections on the council’s planning portal.

The Pamber parish council also made its objections clear to the development control committee.

READ MORE: Grange Nursing Home gets permission to build more bedrooms

However, the council found no reason to object to the application and decided to give a green light.

During the debate, cllr Nicholas Robinson said the council has to approve the application due to a lack of five-year land supply.

“I look down there - the only thing that it doesn't meet is, it says new housing won’t be allowed in a countryside small scale developments if it meets the locally agreed need. That would be the only reason for refusal. But we don't have a five-year housing land supply. So, the weight to be attributed to that policy is significantly reduced.

“I don't like it. I don't like new housing in the countryside. I don't like greenfield sites being built on. But on the planning guidance that we've got enforced at the moment, and the lack of five-year land supply, there is actually no reason to refuse it.”

Earlier, the Pamber parish council vice-chairman Simon Greaves said there was no proven need for properties of this size and they [the proposed houses] were unlikely to meet the local needs for affordable housing

He said: “These dwellings are potentially larger than existing properties in the area and will be visible from the fields behind. Just as a new property, it will change the views across the countryside. It will have a lasting detrimental effect on the landscape.

“The increase in traffic will impact pedestrians and motorists alike, as there are no footpaths along the narrow road with crumbling verges. The area cannot sustain any more development as a result of lack of local amenities and public transport.”

Eleven councillors voted in favour of approving the application, while one abstained from voting.

Message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story. We really appreciate your support.

Please help us to continue bringing you all the trusted news from your area by sharing this story or by following our Facebook page.