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Search the Public Notice PortalPlans for nine new homes have been approved in Broughton village despite strong objections from councillors, residents and the parish council.
Test Valley Borough Council’s southern area planning committee voted to approve the outline application on April 7, although concerns were raised over the scale of the development, flooding risks and lack of infrastructure.
Speaking during the meeting, Councillor Stuart MacDonald described the proposal as “the worst of all speculative development”.
Cllr MacDonald, who represents the Mid Test ward, addressed the committee on behalf of residents and Broughton Parish Council.
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He said: “We are all acutely aware of the very significant 78 per cent increase in housing targets imposed on Test Valley by central government.
“We are, therefore, all vulnerable to speculative development until our new local plan is adopted.
“However, as members of this committee know very well, approval is not automatic and we can and should refuse applications where, on a tilted balance basis, the benefits do not outweigh the harm.
“I believe this is one such situation.”
Although he stressed he was not opposed to development in villages, Cllr MacDonald argued the scheme was in the wrong location and would bring little benefit to the community.
He said: “This application represents the worst of all speculative development in that it is in the wrong place, of inappropriate scale and is unlikely to deliver any infrastructure or other benefits to the local community.”
Cllr MacDonald said the village supported housing developments that met local needs and offered wider community benefits.
He pointed to the Broughton Neighbourhood Development Plan, currently under consultation, which proposes 25 homes across two sites following extensive engagement with residents.
In contrast, he claimed the approved scheme would deliver “just 9 McMansions” without affordable housing and not in line with the village’s housing needs survey.
Further concerns were raised over access to the site, flood risks and sustainability, including the lack of safe pedestrian routes and poor transport links.
Cllr MacDonald said: “The damage to the village of Broughton, the damage to this greenfield site and with the risks of flooding to existing property more than outweighs the mere 9 additional dwellings the application will deliver.”
Despite the objections, councillors voted to approve the outline plans.
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