AJC Group appeals after Dibden Purlieu housing plan rejected

Plans to build 37 homes on a greenfield site at Noads Way, Dibden Purlieu, were rejected by the district council in 2021 after sparking 180 objections.

A later application to provide 25 homes on the same site - known as Orchard Gate - was also turned down.

Now the AJC Group has appealed against the second ruling in the hope a government-appointed planning inspector will overturn the council's decision.

An aerial view of the L-shaped site at Orchard Gate, off Noads Way in Dibden Purlieu (Image: Morgan Carey Achitects)

The plan was opposed by Hythe and Dibden Parish Council, which said the proposed development would be out of keeping.

It also complained that the new homes would create extra traffic problems in the area.

Other objectors said the additional traffic would endanger the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders. They also cited the likely impact on "over-subscribed" schools and GP surgeries.

READ MORE: Plan for 37 homes on tree-lined site at Noads Way in Dibden Purlieu

A council report praised several aspects of the proposal, adding that the principle of housing on the site was acceptable.

It acknowledged the applicant had tried to overcome the previous reasons for refusal by reducing the number of homes and amending the layout but said the scheme still failed to respect the character of the site's immediate surroundings.

An artist's impression of the proposed development at Orchard Gate, off Noads Way, Dibden Purlieu (Image: Morgan Carey Architects)

The application said the land was outside the New Forest National Park and was not within a conservation area or an area of outstanding natural beauty.

It described the plot as "one of the less sensitive landscapes" in the district.

The application added: "A masterplan prepared for the site demonstrates the potential to deliver new homes for the community through a sensitively integrated pattern of dwellings.

READ MORE: Anger over plan to build almost 40 homes at Orchard Gate

"The proposed layout retains good separation distances between the houses and existing properties on Noads Way, Lime Close and Lime Walk.

"The site plan demonstrates that there are opportunities for additional trees and landscaping. Two areas of public open space would function as village greens.

"The proposed development will engender a high quality of life for future residents."

An artist's impression of the proposed development at Orchard Gate, off Noads Way in Dibden Purlieu (Image: Morgan Carey Architects)

A planning statement that formed part of the application said the scheme would make more efficient use of urban land without damaging the character and appearance of the area.

It added: "The proposal would provide modern, fit-for-purpose family accommodation, meeting an identified need for two, three, and four-bed properties."

The appeal will be heard at a public inquiry on a date to be fixed.