Plans for 25 homes, including affordable at Barton Stacey

The proposal from developer JPP includes 10 affordable homes, garages, two new access points, parking, and public open space.

The site, east of Barton Stacey and adjacent to the settlement boundary, was previously used as a Ministry of Defence (MoD) tennis court and now includes an animal shelter.

The area, surrounded by mature trees, some protected by tree preservation orders, lies in a low flood risk zone and within a nutrient neutrality catchment area.

A key aspect of the project is its focus on sustainability.

SITE LOCATION PLAN for the Erection of 25 dwellings and garages, creation of 2 accesses, (Image: Test Valley Borough Council)

The development promises a biodiversity net gain of over 10 per cent, sustainable construction and drainage systems, and solar panels alongside electric vehicle charging points.

The homes are designed to be energy-efficient, using a fabric-first approach.

Water efficiency measures will also be in place, aiming for a maximum of 110 litres per person per day.

The proposal also includes contributions to infrastructure via community infrastructure levy (CIL) and Section 106 agreements.

The layout of the two-storey homes has been designed to retain key trees and hedgerows and includes both formal and informal recreational routes.

Parking and cycle storage will be provided in accordance with local standards.

The development also aims to improve pedestrian and cycle connectivity to the village centre.

A drainage strategy has been put in place, with the entire site lying within Flood Zone 1, indicating a low risk of flooding.

For surface water, the strategy includes permeable block paving with infiltration via sub-base and a soakaway system.

Foul water will be discharged by gravity to the existing Southern Water foul sewer.

The development will have two vehicular access points from Bullington Lane, with pedestrian and cycle links to West Road and the village centre.

PROPOSED SITE LAYOUT for the Erection of 25 dwellings and garages, creation of 2 accesses, (Image: Test Valley Borough Council)

A total of 50 allocated parking spaces and five visitor spaces will be provided, with garages meeting the 3m by 6m internal standard.

Cycle storage will be available in garages or sheds, and a minimum of 20 per cent of plots will have active electric vehicle charging provision.

An online consultation was held via a dedicated website, and leaflets were distributed to approximately 335 local addresses.

Feedback from the community included support for housing and layout, as well as concerns about sewage, wildlife, and construction disruption.

Some residents also requested smaller homes and better distribution of affordable housing.

In response to the feedback, some design amendments were made, such as the removal of gables, addition of hipped roofs, and simplified fenestration to match the character of West Road.

The proposal is part of the emerging Test Valley Local Plan 2042 under Policy NA24.

The council currently cannot demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, triggering the "tilted balance" in favour of sustainable development under the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

The developer's planning consultant, Luken Beck, stated in the proposal that the development addresses housing need, integrates with the village character, and provides ecological and community benefits.

The planning application is currently under consideration by the Test Valley Borough Council and can be viewed at 25/02426/FULLN.