Plans for 400 new homes in Picket Twenty near A303

Developers want to build on 19.96 hectares of land to the south of Forest Lane, Picket Twenty, Andover, directly north of the A303.

Croudace Homes Ltd has submitted an outline planning application for the major development to Test Valley Borough Council.

The proposal includes creating road access from Picket Twenty Road and demolishing Ash Tree House.

The site, which borders Picket Twenty, Harewood Forest, and the A3093, currently serves as arable land.

Developers have said: "The Site is situated in a sustainable and accessible location adjacent to Picket Twenty and the settlement boundary of Andover, identified as a tier 1 settlement and considered to be the most sustainable location or development in the Borough.. The proposed development will also deliver significant economic, social and environmental benefits.

Drawings for the 400 home planning application (Image: TVBC)

"As TVBC are unable to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, and as such the tilted balance is engaged, it is clear from the above that the benefits which this scheme can bring forward outweigh the harm when assessing the material considerations for this Site, in accordance with the Development plan as a whole.

"TVBC are therefore required to determine whether any adverse impacts of granting planning permission (should any be identified) would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies within the NPPF, when read as a whole, in accordance with Paragraph 11d.

"In light of the planning benefits outlined above and the limited harm arising from the proposed development, planning permission should be granted without delay."

The plan states the provision of substantial green areas—a total of 10.37 hectares—which will include a buffer zone of woodland, a main open zone featuring a children's activity area (known as LEAP), a central space incorporating flood management systems, and additional smaller activity zones and green patches.

The developers aim to provide 160 affordable homes—40 per cent of the overall number—with a variety of one, two, and three-bedroom options for 'Affordable Rent' and shared ownership.

The bulk of the market housing, totalling 240 units, will be three and four-bedroom homes.

Main vehicle access is set to be via a realigned Picket Twenty Road, with an alternative route for emergencies through Forest Lane.

The plan includes the provision of paths for both walkers and cyclists, easy reach to bus services, and access to rail links in Andover, about four kilometres away.

The proposal also states that the new neighbourhood will incorporate energy-efficient measures.

These include air source heat pumps, solar panels, and particular targets for water usage, ensuring a 67.3% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to 2021 standards.

The energy strategy is in response to feedback from community engagement, which revealed support for sustainable and affordable housing, though some concerns were raised about potential impacts on local traffic and infrastructure.

Schooling, nursery facilities, a convenience store, a community centre, and open space are already available in the nearby Picket Twenty community.

The application further states that the development will positively impact biodiversity, exceeding the statutory requirement of a 10% increase in habitat units.

It proposes a 41.37% increase, while hedgerow units are expected to rise by 70.44%.

A mitigation strategy is reportedly in place to ensure net nitrogen benefit post-2030.

The planning application acknowledges the need to comply with both national and local housing policies.

The government’s housing need figurers show there is a shortage of homes in the area, with a requirement of 934 dwellings per year.

However, there was a shortfall of 2,193 homes over the past five years.

The planning authority is expected to make a final decision on the application by March 3, 2026.

If approved, the development will be a significant addition to Andover's housing capacity at a time when the locality is battling a housing shortage.

County Archaeologist, David Hopkins, said: "I recommend that an archaeological condition is attached to any planning permission which might be issued to secure a programme of archaeological evaluation.

"I also recommend that an archaeological condition is attached to any planning permission which might be issued to secure a programme of archaeological mitigation by excavation and recording in the light of the results of the archaeological evaluation."

The proposal was received on November 28 and validated on December 2 with consultations underway, scheduled to expire on January 2.

Planning officer, Nathan Glasgow, said: "No development shall take place until an Employment and Skills Plan to encourage and promote skills and training in the construction industry, in accordance with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) Project Based Approach and based on the National Skills Academy for Construction (NSAfC) Guidance notes 2024, has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority."

Drawings for the 400 home planning application (Image: TVBC)

The plan has been designed by Boyer Planning, a planning consultancy company.

Southern Water are expected to reply to a consultation request by December 29.

The planning application will be assessed based on its potential impact on traffic, community infrastructure, and adherence to housing needs.

The proposed development aims to align with the government's drive to bolster housing capacity in areas currently undersupplied.

Pre-application advice received from Test Valley Borough Council alongside Hampshire County Council indicated no objections in principle to the proposal, lending the developers a measure of optimism for an eventual green light.

The land has no immediate planning history and was promoted through the Strategic Housing and Employment Availability Assessment and Regulation 18 consultations.

As the case moves through its requisite stages, all eyes will be on the council to see if the proposal gets the go-ahead, a decision that could bring about a notable change in the local landscape and community dynamics.

At this moment in time, there are no public objections that have been made to this plan.

The application can be viewed on the Test Valley Borough Council website on 25/02843/OUTN.