Plans for 200 homes ditched (From This is Hampshire)
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Campaigners celebrating after decision by councillors
3:00pm Monday 24th September 2012 in News By Adam Richards
CAMPAIGNERS cheered as a plan for 200 homes on the edge of Basingstoke was unanimously thrown out by councillors.
The scheme for the homes at Kiln Farm – a 23-hectare plot between Popley and Sherborne St John – was voted down by members of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council ’s development control committee.
The plan was put forward by David Wilson Homes Southern and the “no” vote came just weeks after the same company’s application to build 450 homes on the Kiln Farm site was also rejected.
Popley West ward member Councillor Jane Frankum, who was bitterly opposed to the plan, said after the decision: “I think it has been a fantastic team effort by the residents of Popley and Sherborne St John. It feels a bit like David versus Goliath, and David has won.”
A 50-strong group of protestors from Sherborne St John turned up outside the Civic Offices and made plain their opposition to the plans as councillors arrived for last Wednesday’s meeting. Following the decision, Cllr John Leek, borough member for Sherborne St John, said: “I am delighted for the residents of my ward. I am delighted that the landscape will remain as we all know it.”
Paul Crisipin, managing director of David Wilson Homes Southern said the company was “disappointed that the application has been refused despite the officers recommending approval”. He added it was too early to say whether the company would appeal the decision.
The application was turned down on the grounds of loss of countryside, traffic congestion fears, destruction of wildlife, and poor infrastructure.
Criticising the homes bid, Susan Denness, chairman of the Popley Islands Community Group, said Popley had suffered from too much development over the past 10 years. “We feel like we have been broken up, walked over, and left for dead.” She added: “How much longer are we expected to stand by and see the land around us desecrated?”
Since David Wilson Homes unveiled the masterplan in February – 450 homes on Kiln Farm, built in two phases of 200 and 250 homes – more than 273 people have written to the council objecting, and two protest petitions have been submitted.
Mr Crispin said the development would bring 100 jobs, a scheme to train apprentices, and the borough would get £1.7million of the Government’s New Homes Bonus grant. “The scheme will provide a ring of affordable family homes,” he said.
During the debate, committee member Cllr Brian Gurden said: “I have to say I am personally in favour of more houses in Basingstoke. However, I have to say I think this particular site is not appropriate.”
Comments(18)
shame
says...
7:49pm Mon 24 Sep 12
Jo Walke
says...
9:43pm Mon 24 Sep 12
The residents of Sherborne St John also have justifications in defence of their, more rural, Parish.
Best_Name_Ever
says...
8:45am Tue 25 Sep 12
Bambography
says...
9:03am Tue 25 Sep 12
That said, for me this is more about infrastructure and access. The site would have added an unreasonable amount of extra traffic through already struggling roads. The developers suggestion of parking restrictions to allow for the new traffic showed how little they actually cared for thier neighbouring communities.
I'm all up for new homes (I live in one of David Wilson's recent builds) but this site is wholey unsuitable and we're pleased that the Development Control committee agreed.
Quimbo
says...
11:24am Tue 25 Sep 12
GOOD
popleyrebel2
says...
12:17pm Tue 25 Sep 12
However, having not completed the Merton Rise project the Kiln Farm project was just another smash and grab raid by the developers, unsuccessful, yes, thanks to the people of Popley.
Therefore, the Council must use all their powers to ensure the Merton Rise project is finished.
Best_Name_Ever
says...
12:44pm Tue 25 Sep 12
Cynical Reader
says...
9:29pm Wed 26 Sep 12
Thank you.
As one who lives opposite Merton Rise, I am quite happy to see it remain undeveloped.
So, I am sure would the foxes, deer, etc. who now live there.
Marina Morris
says...
11:08pm Thu 27 Sep 12
Priceless!
Anyway, can someone explain to me just how or why this would be detrimental to Popley?
popleyrebel2
says...
9:38am Fri 28 Sep 12
Ask the committee, they threw it out.
Best_Name_Ever
says...
11:28am Fri 28 Sep 12
popleyrebel2
says...
8:48am Sat 29 Sep 12
As for “can someone explain to me just how or why this would be detrimental to Popley?”
The committee threw out the plan, so do some research, and you will find the answer.
Cynical Reader
says...
3:42pm Sat 29 Sep 12
Easy- bulldoze Lego-land into the tip,
flatten the lot, and turn it into a City Farm for the kids in the school.
popleyrebel2
says...
6:40pm Sat 29 Sep 12
RgPostcode
says...
9:08am Mon 1 Oct 12
shame wrote:I think your local geography sucks.
cant see what the problem is just rename st m bourne popley 7 job done
ordinary_citizen
says...
10:05am Wed 3 Oct 12
popleyrebel2
says...
12:41pm Wed 3 Oct 12
what does puzzle me however is that fact we have land (already sold to developers) that has not been developed at the same time however developers were asking for more land, therefore, why not just transfer the land.
Furthermore, the Council should not consider any more planning applications in Popley until Merton Rise is completed, they should put a time limit on the original developer to start developing and failure to do so would lead to legal action (from the Council).
When travellers leave an area looking like a “rubbish tip” the Council and residence are up in arms, we in Popley have developers doing the same (a blot on the landscape)
Best_Name_Ever says...
4:44pm Mon 24 Sep 12