RESIDENTS living in Picket Piece have been left angry and upset after promises of leisure space have been quashed.

People living on the Locksbridge Park development have been told for years that they would be getting a junior sports pitch, but now it has been decided that 16 homes will be built on the land instead. 

Test Valley Borough Council’s planning committee voted through the plans, saying there was no reason for the proposal to be rejected. 

Wates Developments and David Wilson Homes Southern said in its application that the sports pitch was never called upon to be used as such.

An independent inspector was also brought in, and decided that the firm had fulfilled its obligations.

But residents have said that they feel let down after the borough council failed to secure the land as part of a Section 106 agreement.

Emma Crooke, who lives on Tolme Way, said: “I am simply gutted on the decision made.
“There is already a green space deficit in the area which was acknowledged and agreed. Putting pressure on an already twisty narrow road with potentially 32 extra cars, not to mention all of the construction traffic, is going to be absolutely detrimental and it’s going to cause an unbelievable amount of damage to the roads.”

During the meeting, Cllr Victoria Harber added: “In my heart I want to refuse this. But there is nothing that we can actually refuse it for, and that makes me really sad for the residents.”

You can read the full story and reaction in this week's paper. Also in this week's edition:

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  • A couple from Ludgershall have raised more than £1,500 after setting up a fundraiser to help buy a mobility scooter for their daughter who has been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
  • Andover's MP has defended the Prime Minister following the completion of Sue Gray’s report into alleged parties at Downing Street on several occasions while the country was under coronavirus restrictions. 
  • An Andover councillor is calling on the borough council to make more affordable spaces available for community and arts groups in the town. 
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  • Wiltshire Police are investigating after a 17-year-old woman was assaulted in Tidworth.
  • A major redevelopment of a golf club near Overton to secure its future has been unveiled as plans have been submitted.
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