PLANS for 62 homes on a greenfield site near two schools have been given the go-ahead - despite almost 250 objections to the scheme.

Vivid Homes has been given permission to build 48 houses and 14 flats on 2.7-hectares of grazing land off Whartons Lane, Ashurst.

Members of the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) were told that half the homes would be affordable.

Alan Maclean, representing the objectors, said villagers recognised the need for affordable housing and accepted that homes would be built on the land.

But he accused the applicant of trying to squeeze as many "boxy houses" onto the site as possible.

Daily Echo: Plans for 62 homes at Whartons Lane, Ashurst, have been approved. Picture: New Forest National Park Authority planning portal.Plans for 62 homes at Whartons Lane, Ashurst, have been approved. Picture: New Forest National Park Authority planning portal.

Sue Robinson, chairman of Ashurst and Colbury Parish Council's planning committee, described it as a semi-rural area at one of the entrances to the national park.

She criticised the "suburban appearance" of the proposed development, saying Ashurst deserved better.

Cllr Robinson also claimed the scheme would worsen existing parking and flooding problems in the area, which used to include a lake.

READ MORE: Plan to build more than 60 homes on greenfield site in New Forest village

NPA member Sue Bennison said a village green in the centre of the scheme could become an unofficial parking area, resulting in the creation of an "awful eyesore".

But she added: "We have got to put these houses somewhere. I don't think there are any real grounds to refuse this application."

David Harrison added: "This scheme ticks most of the boxes and for that reason I support it."

Daily Echo: Plans to build 62 homes at Whartons Lane, Ashurst, have been approved. Picture: New Forest National Park Authority planning portal.Plans to build 62 homes at Whartons Lane, Ashurst, have been approved. Picture: New Forest National Park Authority planning portal.

As reported in the Daily Echo, objectors fear the proposed development will cause traffic chaos near Foxhills infant and junior schools at drop-off and pick-up times.

They are also unhappy with the density of the scheme and the design of the homes.

One of the letters received by the NPA said: "There are far too many properties for the size of the plot. The properties are completely uninspiring and out of character."

But NPA officers advised members to approve the application.

Their report to the planning committee said: "The balance between built development, open space and landscaping is considered to have been successfully reached.

"Hampshire County Council has confirmed that traffic generated would be accommodated within the highway network."

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