Decision on controversial 230-home scheme to be made soon

The outline application for up to 230 properties at Broadleaf Park will go before a planning committee at Test Valley Borough Council on August 11, with officers recommending it for approval.

Submitted earlier this year by Commercial Estates Projects Ltd, the scheme in Rownhams covers around 15.57 hectares of land.

It proposes access through the existing Broadleaf Park neighbourhood, including routes via Babey Avenue and Shutler Close.

The developer argued the scheme would form “a continuation of growth to the south of the town” and create a new edge that responds to historic routes identified through its design analysis.

Plans indicate most homes would be two storeys, although some buildings could reach up to two-and-a-half storeys at key points across the site.

However, the proposal has sparked opposition from residents and the parish council, with concerns expected to be raised at the upcoming meeting.

Cllr Terese Swain, Conservative member for Chilworth, Nursling and Rownhams, said the application would be decided by the Southern Area Planning Committee on August 11.

In a post on social media, she said: “There is strong opposition to the application from residents and the parish council.

“Objectors can register to speak against the application, however please be aware that there is only a maximum of three minutes for objector/residents to put their case.

“Parish council and ward councillors have a separate allocation of time.

“Myself and Cllr Bundy are members of the committee; therefore, we are unable to speak as individuals.

“I will, however, be speaking against the application as it is against a number of policies in the current local plan.”

Several objections have already been made by residents in recent months.

Sam Parsons said the existing residential roads are not designed to accommodate the level of traffic generated by up to 230 new homes, adding: “This will significantly increase congestion, create safety concerns, and impact the quality of life for existing residents.”

Meanwhile, Alice Cutler said the site functions as a “buffer” between existing development and the woodland and forms part of a wider ecological network.

She said: “It supports wildlife, including deer, and provides informal recreational space for residents.

“Development of the site would result in the loss of this buffer and displacement of recreational activity towards the woodland, further increasing pressure on this irreplaceable habitat.”

The meeting will determine whether the outline plans can proceed, with detailed design matters to be considered at a later stage if approved.