Round-up of the most significant planning applications

From new schools and park facilities to changes at recycling and waste centres, these decisions will shape communities across the county.

Lockhams Recycling retrospective application refused

Lockhams Recycling has had its second bid to store waste at premises within Shedfield Equestrian Centre blocked by the council.

The company had applied to change the use of a hardstanding area to a store for recycled aggregate materials.

At the meeting, Shedfield residents spoke about the impact the illegal site has had on their lives.

Joanne Harvey, a resident, said her life and the lives of her neighbours had been “invaded” by what she described as “the noisy, unregulated industrial site.”

She added that the most vulnerable members of the community had experienced increased stress due to the activity.

Nine councillors voted against the officers’ recommendation to grant temporary permission.

Following the decision, Ms Harvey said she was “delighted” with the outcome.

Silverlake application decision

A retrospective application for two buildings at Silverlake Automotive Recycling on Botley Road in Shedfield was approved.

The end-of-life vehicles (ELV) processing building and parts removal building were erected in January 2024. The company said it will remain in place until it secures permanent approval to expand operations.

At the committee meeting, residents and local councillors raised concerns about lighting from the buildings, saying it affects nearby homes and wildlife.

They requested a lighting curfew, but planning officers said the existing restrictions were “robust enough” to prevent any “unacceptable impact.”

Sale of Ashcroft Arts Centre

The former Ashcroft Arts Centre on Osborn Road has been sold to the Harkalm Group, a move described as the “best financial decision” for the council.

It is understood the building could be converted into a nursery operated by the Hopscotch Day Nursery Group, offering up to 90 childcare places.

Boorley Green school

A new special school is set to be built near Eastleigh, providing 125 “much-needed” places.

The Luminous Oak School will be located within the Boorley Gardens housing development, north-east of Hedge End in Boorley Green.

The school is expected to open in 2026 for children aged eight to 16 with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs.

The £17.9 million project will include 15 general classrooms and seven specialist teaching spaces, including the ‘Eden Room’ for tailored instruction and therapy.

Hartland Village primary school

Another new school, this one in Fleet, has been approved and will accommodate more than 400 children.

The proposed Hartland Village Primary School will be built within the Hartland Village development, which includes 1,500 new homes, a country park, and 27.9 hectares of suitable alternative natural green space.

Testbourne Community School

Testbourne Community School in Whitchurch is set to improve its insulation to protect students from extreme weather.

The flat roof of the changing room building will be insulated to improve thermal performance and reduce heat loss.

Land at River Hamble Park

Part of River Hamble Park will be transformed into a natural habitat for skylarks to offset the environmental impact of a new secondary school planned for the area.

Around 4.1 hectares have been identified as suitable habitat. The area will be maintained for 25 years, with part of the field fenced for cattle grazing outside the bird nesting season.

Sewage sludge facility approved near Andover

A new “first of its kind” sewage sludge storage facility will be built near Andover despite 203 objections from residents concerned about potential smell and noise.

Resident Matthew Treviss called the proposal “absurd,” arguing it was far too close to homes.

During the meeting, Cllr Roger Price suggested granting temporary permission for five years to monitor odours, but the amendment was rejected.

The application was approved, with one condition stating that once the tanks reach full capacity, they must be emptied within 24 hours.