IT is a vision to create a new Romsey community.

After months of being locked in negotiations over how the 275-home estate at Ganger Farm would finally look work is now set to begin on the controversial development.

Previously councillors had given the go-ahead for the scheme at a packed public meeting earlier this year on the proviso that planning bosses ironed out the small print.

That included resolving objections from a number of organisations in the town who said the development was “unnecessary, unwelcome intrusion”.

Bryan Bayliss of the Romsey Ramblers had said: “It is an over dense overdevelopment in an attempt to crown more dwellings into insufficient space worsened by the “sweetener” of space for sports facilities.”

The developers previously altered their original plans which saw them relocate artificial pitches from the northern part of the site to a less prominent location in the south after concerns were raised regarding the impact on the setting of the neighbouring Sir Harrold Hillier Gardens. 

The pitches would be part of a ‘new community sports hub’, which, along with eight sports pitches, including two all-weather surfaces there would also be a pavilion with modern changing facilities.

The pavilion would include 134 parking spaces and there would also be public open space as well as three new play areas.

Braishfield Parish Council had also objected to the proposals saying it would “significantly reduce” the green gap between Romsey and Ampfield.

Among the council’s complaints former parish council chairman Mike Prince who said the authority was concerned that the flood-lighting would affect the residents of Braishfield and other nearby residents. 

Planners have now agreed to the final plan which has been welcomed by local councillors.

Daily Echo: Cllr Mark Cooper, pictured on Botley Road playing fields, in front of Whitenap Fields where there are plans to build 2000 new homes (55624305)

Romsey (Tadburn) councillor Mark Cooper said: “I’m very satisfied that all sports provision and playing fields have been included. 

“The allotments and so on are in place and there’s quite extensive landscaping which have all been included in the application. The actual planning gain from this application is quite significant and it will be a great asset to Romsey.

“There’s a significant affordable housing component the mix of houses give a useful mix as well as the contribution to the local schools. Basically, it’s a planning application that’s paving the way in terms of planning and will be an improvement to the town.

“I wish all planning applications were on this modest scale, where you can negotiate on 275 houses rather than having a number forced on you. 

"Test Valley has this reputation of going for 800 and the impact is significant.

“Basically its thumbs up to Ganger Farm, thumbs down for the future site at Whitenap where they’re planning to build 1,300 homes.”

The proposal by developers Barratt Homes and David Wilson Home will see 80 per cent of the homes – which are mainly three and four-bedroom properties – going on the open market, while 20 per cent would be affordable housing.

Romsey and District Society had objected to the development claiming the proposals would "spoil the open countryside character of the area and will have a significant impact on the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens" and only 55 affordable homes have been planned in the development far below the number required in planning applications of this size. 

Objections were also received from 21 residents in Romsey, Crampmoor, Ampfield and Braishfield. 

But the developer had won support from Romsey Hockey Club, Romsey Rugby Club, Braishfield Football Club and Romsey Town Youth Football Club - all of whom agreed more sports facilities are needed in the area.

Barratt Homes’ land director, Julian Jones said: “We now have detailed planning permission for Ganger Farm in Romsey.

"At present we are in negotiations with the land owners to agree the sale of the land to enable us to proceed with the development.”