Homes plan for Picket Piece withdrawn after condition refusal

David Wilson Homes and Wates Developments had lodged an application with Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) to build 16 houses on land off Ox Drove.

An initial application approved in 2011 to build up to 530 homes in Picket Piece protected the green space as a junior sports pitch, but the developers said this land is no longer needed and applied to the borough council to remove the condition.

However, TVBC has rejected the application to remove the restriction, with the council stating the land “continues to serve a useful purpose”.

In its application, the firm had put forward an alternative to offer a slice of green space behind an existing house which will not be built on.

But TVBC said: “It is not clear what alternative open space, sport or recreation facility could be provided at land to the rear of [the house], and whether there is such a need for this alternative provision as to outweigh the loss of the junior sports pitch.”

The developer, which has now removed the 16 homes application, has said it will appeal the condition refusal.

A spokesman for Wates Developments said: “This a legal matter relating to the original planning approval of the Picket Piece development in 2011. As our application for approval to modify the original legal agreement was refused, we shall be lodging an appeal. In the meantime, pending this appeal decision, our separate application for 16 homes has been withdrawn.”

The scheme as a whole had drawn criticism from not only neighbours, but from national bodies including Sports England.

In a letter, the body said: “The proposed development will lead to the loss of land allocated for playing field/pitches to meet the needs of the new population generated by the wider Picket Piece development under the outline planning permission.”

With Andover Town Council also objecting to the scheme stating that junior sports pitches are still required in the town.