Major 190-home development near Southampton approved

Test Valley Borough Council’s Southern Area Planning Committee approved Persimmon Homes’ outline plans for up to 190 properties at Packridge Farm, south of North Baddesley, on October 13.

The application attracted 86 objections, while North Baddesley Parish Council and Nursling and Rownhams Parish Council also opposed the development.

Only one letter or email of support was recorded.

Objectors raised concerns about increased traffic, pressure on GP surgeries, schools and other services, the loss of agricultural and grazing land, flooding and the impact on wildlife.

The council report also recorded concerns about the need to relocate the existing agricultural and equestrian operation and the effect on the farmer and animals.

Farmer Pauline Colliss, who has rented fields at the site for 13 years, previously told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the proposals were a “kick in the teeth”.

She said in April that aged ponies requiring special care were kept on the land and warned they could have to be destroyed if alternative accommodation could not be found.

Pauline Colliss at Packridge Farm. Photo: Caitlin Maidment

However, planning officers said animal welfare concerns could not be given weight in deciding the application.

The development goes against existing planning policy and would lead to the loss of some agricultural land.

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But with the council having just 2.5 years of housing land supply against a five-year target, officers said the need for 190 new homes, including 76 affordable properties, weighed heavily in its favour.

Persimmon said the homes will be “zero-carbon ready”, while 50 per cent of open-market properties will initially be reserved for buyers from the area under its Local Homes Guarantee.

Almost 10 hectares of the site will be kept as green space, with walking routes and wildlife habitats planned as part of the scheme.

The proposed street scene of the Packridge Farm development (Image: Persimmon Homes)

Developer contributions secured through the plans include up to £618,539 towards expanding The Mountbatten School, £369,816 for outdoor sports facilities, £191,389 for healthcare improvements and £250,000 towards walking and cycling infrastructure.

Matt Allsopp, Persimmon’s senior strategic land and planning manager, said: “We’re delighted to see our high-quality plans recognised and approved by the council.”

He said there was an “urgent need for homes in the area”, particularly starter and family housing.