“WHERE will our children play?”

That is the sentiment being expressed time and time again by objectors to of plans to build a house on the ‘last bit of green area’ in Fyfield.

Residents have rallied to object to proposals submitted by the Aster Group to erect a property on land at the rear of 9 and 10 Duncan’s Close, Fyfield.

Aster, who own the land, are proposing to “make the best use of this vacant parcel of land by seeking the erection of an appropriately scaled, three bedroom, open market dwelling”.

The group states in its planning supporting statement that the “large area of hardstanding is in a poor state of repair and consequently detracts from the appearance of the street scene”’.

One resident, Fiona Pearce, however, says in her letter of objection: “They say that the area is too small to be classed as a recreational area, but that doesn’t stop kids from playing on it, and it’s only in a poor state of repair because Aster aren’t maintaining it in a proper manner.”

A number of other residents have aired their displeasure at the proposal and Fyfield Parish Council said in a letter to Test Valley Borough Council that it strongly objected to the planning application in support of its parishioners.

The council’s letter said: “The site is historically designated as a garden for residents of Duncan’s Close and the Walnut Tree Ground.

“The site is the only open space in the village and is used by all ages for recreational purposes.

“It is a meeting place for teenagers in the village.

“Fyfield is a small village with no amenities, which goes against the Revised Borough Plan where villages cannot sustain any increase in population as there is no public owned land.”

An Aster spokesperson said: “We have submitted a planning application to build one new home on a piece of land that we own at Duncan’s Close, Fyfield, and are currently awaiting the outcome.

“It’s our vision that everyone has a home.

“We have made a commitment to helping tackle the shortage of new housing across the country by pledging to develop 9,500 homes across a range of tenures by 2023.”

TVBC planning and building portfolio holder, Councillor Phil Bundy, said: “We have received a number of representations on this application.

“We are currently seeking additional information about the proposal from the applicant as a result of issues raised in those representations.

“Members of the public still have the opportunity to comment on the planning application as part of the consultation process and we will take all comments received into consideration up until the date the application is determined.”

The full application can be seen on Test Valley Borough Council’s website, planning application number 16/01184/FULLN

What do you think?

E-mail your views to newsdesk@andoveradvertiser.co.uk.