A DEVELOPER has submitted an outline planning application to build 32 houses on land in Picket Piece.

Strategic land promotion company Macra Ltd is seeking to demolish existing structures that include poultry sheds on land near Walworth Road in Picket Piece.

The land, which contains a number of disused sheds and areas of hardstanding and gravel, measures 1.17 hectares and is one single plot of land, although separated in certain areas by low fences.

The company said in its design statement that the proposal aims to make use of the disused brownfield site for the development of “attractive new housing” with a mix of sizes and tenures to “help meet local need”.

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According to the design statement prepared by Pegasus Group on behalf of Macra, the plan is to build 32 residential houses of mixed sizes, including affordable homes.

There will also be a provision for public open space, and primary vehicular and non-vehicular access will be via Walworth Road.

The developer said the plans include the retention of important landscape features such as existing trees and hedgerows.

“The proposed scheme responds positively to its setting, respecting the existing uses nearby whilst anticipating the development of the residential allocation to the west.

“This will enable developers to fit into the area as it currently is, but future-proof it for further development in the years to come. The proposed new footway on Walworth Road provides a valuable new asset to the area, enabling existing and future residents to travel safely and sustainably into Picket Piece and Andover,” Macra said in its planning statement.

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There had been a delay in new planning applications around Andover because of nutrient neutrality issues.

But this has changed following the introduction of a new scheme that enables developers to buy credits to offset land which has been used for agriculture.

The land between the Walworth Road and the railway line is one of the sites recognised as land fit for building.

Cllr Nick Lodge, who is the borough councillor for the area where the development is proposed, said he cannot comment on it as he is a member of Test Valley Borough Council’s northern area planning committee.