THE developer behind controversial plans to build four homes on land in Chilbolton is considering the scheme’s future after concerns were raised, the borough council has said.

Alfred Homes is hoping to build four three-bedroom homes on land adjacent to Test Valley Farm, in Little Drove Road, but the plan has received more than 100 comments on the council's website - the majority being objections. 

The application was due to go before Test Valley Borough Council's planning committee on Thursday, November 23, but it was pulled from the agenda after a legal question was raised by Chilbolton Parish Council about the planning officer's report which would have gone before the council. 

READ MORE: Controversial plan for homes removed from planning agenda after concern over report

Andover Advertiser: The patch of land at Test Valley Farm where the development is proposedThe parish council told the Advertiser that it and residents are “strongly opposed to any new luxury homes” in Chilbolton due a lack of affordable starter homes and smaller homes, with the Chilbolton Neighbourhood Plan stating that any new developments should have a mix of dwellings.

Now a spokesperson from Test Valley Borough Council has said to the Advertiser: “Following the application being withdrawn from the North Area Planning Committee meeting on Thursday 23 November, matters raised have been shared with the applicant and the applicant is now considering how they wish to proceed. As such, this proposal is not yet ready to be presented to the Northern Area Planning Committee.”

A group of residents, coined Stop Chilbolton Overdevelopment, have said that the proposal is “undesirable and unnecessary”.

In a statement the group continued: “The proposed site is located on the outskirts of the village settlement and is part of the beautiful landscape. It adjoins a designated nature reserve. Footpaths surround the farm and are enjoyed by Chilbolton residents and many visitors. The loss of this plot would put at risk the future of this rare smallholding as a viable business opportunity, ideally suited for a budding farmer, market gardener and an equestrian service provider.”

It is understood that a community-led housing scheme for the village is being devised by the parish council to deliver up to 20 smaller houses comprising 10 affordable and 10 retirement homes targeted for 2030.

Alfred Homes has been contacted for a comment.