35 Homes deferred due to access

Planning chiefs have delayed making a decision on plans for up to 35 homes in a Hampshire village because of site access.

It comes after residents objected to the plans and councillors raised fears of overdevelopment of the village.

Outline planning for up to 35 homes at 103 Blackberry Lane in Four Marks, on land to the rear of 97 to 105, was deferred because East Hampshire District Council’s planning committee wants the developer to redesign the access.

The planning officer said the bungalow at 103 Blackberry Lane will be demolished to make way for access to the site.

The meeting on May 29 took more than one hour and 20 minutes discussing the planning application 20252/004 from James Griffiths of Shanly Homes.

A main point of discussion by the members was having to accept the application because of the tilted balance in favour of development – meaning there must be a compelling reason to refuse it. Chair of the committee, councillor Anthony Williams (Con, Headley) said: “The government wants more houses and tilted balance is being held over us.”

Objecting to plans, Dr Barlow said: “It is the thin end of a very big wedge with about 800 houses coming to Four Marks and no infrastructure to sustain them. Blackberry Lane is already congested at both ends and going onto the A31 junction.”