Developer submits plans for 36 houses in Picket Piece

Developer Imperial Homes has submitted a full application for 36 homes, including access roads, parking, landscaping and public open space, on land north of Walworth Road in Picket Piece, which would also involve demolishing the existing chapel and its outbuildings.

The 1.5-hectare site, which sits next to existing housing and Walworth Industrial Estate, would deliver 36 new homes, with a mix of house sizes, types and styles across one, two, and three-bedroom properties.

A key plank of the case is Test Valley's housing shortfall.

Location plan for the development. (Image: Vivid Design Studio)

Planning documents say "the council is only able to demonstrate a 2.54 year housing land supply" and that "the tilted balance is engaged in terms of the presumption in favour of sustainable development" under national policy.

The applicant argues that providing 36 new homes, 40 per cent of which would be affordable, should tip the planning balance in favour of approval, with a policy‑compliant mix of affordable tenures proposed.

The scheme would see the loss of the former chapel on the site, described as a non-designated heritage asset.

Imperial Homes says "the building has not been in active use for a prolonged period, over more than two decades" and that "its disuse, provides clear evidence that any historic community purpose has long since ceased."

They add the building "is in a poor state of repair and is not viable for reuse" and that "demolition of the building is required to access the proposed development and no alternative means of access is available."

Two trees covered by a Tree Preservation Order would also be felled.

Block plan for the development. (Image: Vivid Design Studio)

A strategy is proposed "to deliver a +10% biodiversity net gain," with new planting and habitat enhancements, and the developer insists "the site is highly sustainable, well-connected, and well aligned with the strategic growth pattern."

They conclude that "this application has fully and carefully considered the earlier reasons" for a refused 60-home scheme on the land, citing a "reduction in dwelling numbers, to reduce development density," and say "the development accords with the spatial strategy, and represents sustainable development in every respect," adding: "It is therefore requested that planning permission is granted."

At the time of reporting, the application submitted to TVBC on Thursday May 21 is yet to receive a public comment. The determination deadline has been set for August 25.

To view the plans in their entirety, visit the TVBC planning portal on: 26/01086/FULLN.