140 new homes in Fields Farms in Rownhams after planners back controversial plan

The plan to build 140 homes on a greenfield site at Fields Farms in Rownhams has been recommended for permission by planning officers at Test Valley Borough Council.

The scheme comes as a plan to build 320 homes on a neighbouring piece of land at Parkers Farm was approved in July following an appeal.

Developer Pigeon Investment Management Limited (PIML) is behind the latest application on 21 acres of farmland next to the junction of Rownhams Lane and Bakers Drove.

It is bounded by a site of importance for nature conservation to the south and east.

PIML's scheme also includes a community orchard, a play area, new public footpaths and open space.

PIML claims that there are 'many people' in the local area who want to get on to the housing ladder but can't afford to buy their own home, and says the proposed development would help them do it.

It also says that the scheme would help elderly people in Rownhams who want to downsize homes and remain in the village.

However, there have been a number of objections to the plan and landscape officers at the council say the proposal could have an 'adverse' affect on the landscape due to farmland being turned into housing.

A total of 58 letters of objections from residents have been sent in. Some of the concerns raised include the principle of building on greenfield land, the high quality of farmland that could be built on, traffic congestion and the impact the development will have on Rownhams Road.

The objections also raised fears over existing flooding problems becoming worse, increased pressure on schools and the 'catastrophic' impact it could have over wildlife in the area.

Planning officers have recommended permission for the scheme if it meets certain conditions. These include 40 per cent of housing being affordable on the site and a financial contribution towards highway infrastructure in Rownhams.

A concluding statement in their planning report said: "The proposal would contribute to social sustainability by providing housing, affordable housing, and areas of public open space."

"It would contribute to environmental sustainability by being in a sustainable location, generating finance that would improve the cycle and footpath network, providing a management plan for Rownham Meadow SINC and providing Alternative Natural Space at Lords Hill Wood."

Councillors on the Test Valley Borough council's Southern Area Planning Committee will debate the plans on August 11 at Crosfield Hall in Romsey.