Plans for nine new houses in Andover's Picket Twenty

Rivendale Developments has proposed to build nine two-storey houses at the junction of Bridle Close and Picket Twenty Way in Andover, on land previously earmarked for a public house as part of the Picket Twenty scheme.

The land was reserved for a pub under a 2008 masterplan but after extended marketing efforts failed to attract interest, its use was reconsidered.

Earlier plans for 18 flats were refused in 2023 due to design, affordable housing, and nitrate mitigation concerns.

Drawing for the proposed plan (Image: Test Valley Borough Council)

A subsequent appeal upheld the decision on design grounds, although it accepted the principle of residential development.

Rivendale Developments has now returned with a revised scheme.

The developer said: "In accordance with the NPPF consideration needs to be given as to whether the proposal constitutes sustainable development.

"In this case the development is sustainable for the following reasons:
"The proposal will provide a net increase of nine dwellings on the site that comply with the aims of the Local Plan and will contribute towards local housing needs.

"It has already been established that it is not a viable location for a public house, therefore the development will make more efficient use of the site and bring this under-utilised site back into a viable use.

"From a social perspective, the proposal will provide new family homes, which will be of an appropriate design, will respond well to the character of the area and shall be accessible to local services; and, from an environmental perspective, the proposal shall preserve the character and appearance of the area, using natural resources, in this case land, efficiently to create new homes whilst providing a high standard of amenity for future residents."

The houses would be built in a traditional style, using red brick and slate tiles, and would be arranged in a terrace fronting Picket Twenty Way.

Each home would have a "verdant" frontage and a private garden.

The site lies within the larger Picket Twenty development on the eastern edge of Andover.

Nearby facilities include a nursery, primary school, community centre, and convenience store.

Andover Town Council did not object to the proposal but raised several environmental concerns.

A spokesman for the council said: "Nitrate Neutrality has not been addressed.

"No details on future proofing, i.e., provision of heat pumps, electric charging points, solar panels and availability of green space."

A member of the public commented that the lack of green technology was a missed chance to lower energy bills for future residents.

Andrew Rhys said: "Having read the application, I regard the lack of solar panels, heat pumps or EV charging points a missed opportunity and depriving the future occupants of reduce energy costs."

Drawing for the proposed plan (Image: Test Valley Borough Council)

Hampshire Swifts, a charity focused on the conservation of swifts in Hampshire, suggested the homes are well-suited for swift bricks to support red-listed birds that nest in the area.

Professor Catharine Gale, trustee for Hampshire Swifts, said: "The proposed houses are suitable for swift bricks, an enhancement which would be of great value not just for Red-Listed Swifts which breed in this area but also for other Red-Listed cavity nesting bird species such as House Sparrows."

The group has requested that if approved, each dwelling should be fitted with a swift brick in accordance with BS 42021:2022.

Hampshire County Council’s highways team confirmed the site is sustainably located but raised logistical issues about access for emergency vehicles.

Alistair McMurray, consultant transport planner, said: "The Highway Authority agrees that the site occupies a sustainable location for residential development where active and public transport modes can legitimately be supported.

"However, the Highway Authority requires confirmation that a refuse vehicle and a fire appliance can enter and turn within the site.

"A swept path analysis assessment demonstrating that turning manoeuvres can be carried out wholly within the site without conflict must be provided before determination.

"Whilst no in-principle objections are raised, there are matters outstanding and pending submission of the requested information, a standing objection is raised to the proposal."