Barker-Mill Estates has won outline planning permission for 350 homes near Southampton after a protracted battle with local authorities and residents.
The 27.4-acre scheme in Redbridge Lane, Nursling, stalled in April 2010 when permission was refused by the council’s planning committee.
The proposals were deemed to be in violation of the Adopted Local Plan, which identifies the area as countryside and in a Local Gap.
The public inquiry, held over six days in September, found in favour of Barker-Mill Estates on the basis that the pressing need for housing in the area was so serious that it should override the conflict with Local Plan Policies SET03 (Countryside) and SET05 (Local Gap).
As a result of the decision, proposals by Southampton council to build a 900-place city academy on an adjacent site now look more likely to happen.
Local opinion remains hostile – Conservative MP Caroline Nokes accused the planning inspector of riding “roughshod” over the views of the local population.
But Tim Jobling, a trustee of the family-owned Barker-Mill Estates, said “We are pleased to have been successful in our appeal for the proposed development. We will now focus on working closely with local councillors and residents to create a scheme which everyone can be proud of.”
Turley Associates’ Stuart Irvine, who advised Barker-Mill, said: “At a time when there is great uncertainty regarding the way in which the planning system will respond to growing housing needs, it is refreshing to see that the principles set out in Government guidance receive appropriate weight and that the issue of delivery remains paramount.”
To access all EGi and EuroProperty news stories and commercial property data sign up for a free trial today, or visit the subscription options page to find out more.
