Three homes in Picket Piece approved at second attempt

The application for three homes on Ox Drove, Picket Piece, was passed in a majority vote by Test Valley Borough Council at its Northern Area Planning Committee meeting on Thursday, March 12, at Beech Hurst.

This follows an earlier bid for five homes on the same site, which was refused last year.​

Only one question was raised by councillors during the debate, from ward councillor for Andover Downlands, Cllr Chris Donnelly, who focused on drainage.

Drawings for the three homes on Ox Drove. (Image: Test Valley Borough Council)

He said: "I want to focus on drainage which I think is the main issue which we’ve got. Members who have been on the site will know that’s quite an incline, you get a lot of water coming off this land. I just wondered what mitigations were available for that water run off."

Case officer Gillian Wheeler said there was no requirement for additional mitigation as the site was appropriate for residential development in flooding terms. She added that a drainage system had been proposed but there could be no expectation for the developer to solve existing problems.

Objecting on behalf of Andover Town Council, Tony Burley stated the the proposed layout was out of keeping with the area as they believed the application seeks to significantly alter the character. Further concerns were raised over biodiversity net gain, nutrients, ecology and surface water.

Objector Mike Purnell, a member of the residents association, said: "Picket Piece is probably Test Valley’s largest generator of new housing. Although government must be delighted, Picket Piece has far more housing than its amenities are able to support. Ox Drove is a precious resource and is part of a historic bridgeway. This application would cause significant harm to the character of the neighbourhood."

In support of the scheme, Ben Olds, land director for Imperial Homes, said: "Whilst we were disappointed with the committee’s previous decision we’ve carefully considered the concerns. In response to the previous concern, there has been a 40 per cent reduction in the number of units, the depth of the development has been reduced as well. It meets the NPPF’s policy. They are high quality homes in an area that has clear and well documented demand."

In debate, Cllr Alexander Gillies said: "I can’t see any justification for refusing it, and I will be backing it." This was agreed with by Cllr Jason Sangster.

Cllr Donnelly said he welcomed the reduced density and height but remained "slightly concerned" about drainage. Cllr Jim Neal said he was happy to support the three homes.

The application was approved with eight votes in favour and one against