Barratt David Wilson Homes has submitted a planning application to Test Valley Borough Council for a 309-home extension to the King's Chase Development.
The proposed development site is currently designated as countryside, located south of King's Chase and east of Woodley. The primary vehicular access would be through King's Chase, with additional cycle and pedestrian accesses through Ganger Farm Lane and Winchester Road.
However, it's important to note that this site is not designated for development in the Local Plan. Furthermore, there is no current need for additional housing in southern Test Valley, as TVBC has already met its housing targets for several years and has sufficient housing land supply.
As a result, this application is entirely speculative.
In my view it would be much more appropriate to propose this site as part of the Local Plan process, which allows for greater control over the type and mix of housing and ensures that the appropriate infrastructure is in place to accommodate any new development.
It would also allow the benefits of this site to be measured alongside those of any other sites put forward, including those that are brownfield and in locations which may be more accessible.
Romsey has already seen a significant amount of development, and there are no provisions in this application for additional facilities. Local infrastructure is already stretched to its limits, and the proposed road access is inappropriate for the amount of traffic that would be generated.
We need new housing, but it's essential to build the right homes in the right places rather than allowing developer-led speculative schemes. Ultimately, any new development should be considered as part of the Local Plan process to ensure that it's in the best interests of the community and the area's infrastructure.
If you would like to have your say on this proposal, details on how to do so can be found below. I would urge you to do so.
I will continue to oppose any further proposals outside the Local Plan process and keep you up to date with this application's progress.