Bishops Green residents object to plans to build 42 new homes

The controversial Woodside View application, which received 83 objections from residents, is set to be decided by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s development control committee tonight (Wednesday, December 7). 

Ecchinswell, Sydmonton and Bishops Green Parish Council objected to the plans submitted by Turley business consulting, based in Southampton. It argued that the borough council would be going against its own local plan if it approved the homes.

Cllr Marian Dain, parish council chair, said: "There are several issues with this development, one issue is the fact that 42 houses is not sustainable, it will not give any benefit to the community, it will damage the environment that is close to local woodland.

"Forty-two homes in the area will also add at least 80 to 100 cars to the roads, which barely cope at the moment. 

"We are doing our best to highlight these problems, that this development, amongst others, is trying to sneak in before our neighbourhood plan has gone into effect."

Ecchinswell, Sydmonton and Bishops Green neighbourhood plan has been created following consultations over the past 18 months where both residents and stakeholders agreed on key values including protecting the rural environment and improving sustainability. 

There is now concern within the parish that the development will be contrary to policies stated in both the neighbourhood and local plan if Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council approves. 

The existing local plan states that 'small', 'rural settlements' like Bishops Green should not be exposed to significant housing development. 

The neighbourhood plan also identifies a need for 'modest' development of 'affordable' and 'rural style' housing to meet local growth and for existing residents.

Objections outlined by residents against the development include the 42 houses being of an 'inappropriate scale' and 'too urban in style' for a rural location. 

The developer has been asked for a comment