A DEVELOPER has submitted an outline application to build up to 47 houses in a village near Tadley.

Sigma Strategic Land is looking to build houses with associated access and landscaping on land opposite Limewood Farm in Ashford Hill Road, Ashford Hill.

However, the proposal is in conflict with a neighbourhood plan that was recently adopted by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

A neighbourhood plan for Ashford Hill with Headley was recently adopted by the council following a referendum that saw 92.6 per cent of residents voting in favour of the plan.

But the proposed outline application submitted by Sigma is not mentioned in the neighbourhood plan.

READ MORE: Latest planning applications submitted to Basingstoke council

The developer said in a planning statement prepared by Solve Planning that it recognises that there is a conflict with the neighbourhood plan policies resisting development outside of the settlement boundary of Ashford Hill.

But the builder said this has to be seen in the context of difficulties set out in the planning statement.

Sigma added that the neighbourhood plan became part of the development plan two years or less before the date on which the decision is made.

It also said that the cabinet announcement post-dates the referendum and is a significant material change in circumstances.

Two of the three councillors for the Tadley North, Kingsclere and Baughurst ward – Cllr Stuart Frost and Cllr Ken Rhatigan – are in the development control committee of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

Cllr Frost said he cannot comment because he does not want to “predetermine himself”.

“I haven’t seen the application in detail. But my initial thoughts are that it is not in the neighbourhood plan that has been made.”

Ashford Hill Road already has significant existing and proposed development along its length.

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The site next to the Sigma land won an appeal for 27 dwellings in 2020, while another site on the road has completed the construction of 35 dwellings.

According to the planning statements, the proposed houses in Sigma’s outline applications range from one-bed flats to four-bed houses.

Out of 47 houses, 28 will be sold at market price, 13 are for affordable rent and six are for shared ownership.

Alongside the outline application, the developer has also submitted initial information to Hampshire County Council Highways for advice on the access.