A CONSERVATION group in Basingstoke is feeling relieved after Hampshire County Council confirmed that it is not planning to build access to a major development via an old, wooded drove road.

The county council recently asked Fuzzy Drove Conservation Group (FDCG) in Basingstoke to temporarily stop works on the stretch as it wanted to carry out some maintenance.

The order created panic among members of the conservation group as they thought the council was planning to start works for access through Fuzzy Drove, potentially, to the Manydown South development.

The county council and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council – joint owners of a long lease on 2,000 acres in Manydown – are currently considering how the land to the south of the area should be developed.

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However, the county council has now confirmed that its order to temporarily stop working on Fuzzy Drove has nothing to do with any proposed housing development in the area.

Executive member for highways operations at Hampshire County Council, Cllr Nick Adams-King told the Gazette: “The county council, as the highway authority, is responsible for the maintenance of Fuzzy Drove from Kempshott Lane to where it becomes a bridleway, just west of Auklet Close.

"A permissible, informal arrangement has existed for some time with the conservation group for low-level maintenance of the vegetation that is within the public highway. Recently we asked for this work to be paused while our Highways team establishes new arrangements for the maintenance of the vegetation, which can hopefully continue to involve the conservation group.

"I am able to confirm, however, that this activity has absolutely no connection with any proposed housing development in the area.”

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A Facebook page of the conservation group, when they received the order, had posted that they have concerns.

After clarifying with the two councils, the group posted on its social media: “The request to stop work was brought about by Hampshire’s need to maintain a public highway and keep a clear track for vehicular access on what is a public roadway.

“FDCG has always understood this and would not wish it otherwise. The work to do this will be carried out by B&DBC staff on behalf of HCC and to their specification. The Ranger Team will be on hand to help ensure that the clearing is done as sensitively as ever possible.”

When the Gazette contacted FDCG secretary Sally Matthews for a comment, she said: “I am delighted to say that a good outcome does, indeed, seem to be on its way for Fuzzy Drove. Everything we know is already in the public domain, and we do not have anything to add.”