PLANS for a housing development of around 400 homes in Fordingbridge have sparked concerns that the town will be “consumed by people and traffic”.

Pennyfarthing Homes has submitted an outline application to New Forest District Council seeking permission for the development and change of use of land to Alternative Natural Recreational Greenspace on land to west of Whitsbury Road.

New roundabout

A new roundabout on Whitsbury Road would also be created and a bridge across Sweatford Water as well as crossings for pedestrians and cyclists.

An Alternative Natural Recreational Greenspace would be provided with other areas of open space.

The site is part of Strategic Site 17, which has been allocated for development in New Forest District Council’s Local Plan. A smaller development is being planned at Tinkers Cross of 63 homes, which is the subject of a separate planning application by Pennyfarthing Homes.

What residents have said

The application has already sparked concerns over the impact on traffic and infrastructure as well as wildlife, the loss of green and open space, flooding and impact schools and health services.

There have been 80 objections to the Whitsbury Road plan on New Forest District Council’s website about the impact on infrastructure, roads and traffic, local facilities, wildlife and the loss of open space.

On the council’s website, resident Liza Bull was concerned over the decline in open spaces and areas to walk. She added: “The infrastructure in Fordingbridge also cannot take the expansion of houses and people. We don’t have enough school places, doctors, shops or facilities to withstand the increased population, since the last estate was built on Whitsbury Road. Please think again before Fordingbridge is totally spoilt.”

Another resident, Marion Firman, said another development would contribute to traffic on the “poorly maintained roads” and cause air pollution. She said: “Another large development will also have a huge adverse effect on the character of Fordingbridge. This small historic market town will be consumed with people and traffic.”

Concerns were also raised about plans for future development in neighbouring Alderholt. Dorset Council is currently consulting on its draft local plan setting out future development.

Two options for Alderholt are being put forward - one for “small-scale expansion” on land north of Ringwood Road with around 300 new homes as well as land for employment facilities while the second is for “significant expansion”.

And resident David Sanders said the development “totally destroys the nature and character of Fordingbridge and its surrounds” and added: “Fordingbridge residents are already suffering with lack of adequate roads, schools, doctors and dentist provision which will only be multiplied many fold with each of these vast, unwanted developments.”

Another resident, Romany Wood-Robinson, said it would “destroy a natural environment that can never be replaced in our lifetimes”.

Concerns were also raised over increased pollution and the roundabout being proposed.

What the developers say

A design and access statement submitted with the application said the “new neighbourhood will provide a positive addition to Fordingbridge” - delivering much-needed housing, provision of enhanced footpaths and additional recreation space, support for and financial contributions towards education and community facilities, contribution to resolving foul drainage issues and economic benefits and biodiversity enhancements.

Ben Arnold, of Pennyfarthing Homes, said: “Having engaged with the District and Town Councils we are aware of the public concern regarding traffic and highway issues in the town and we are pleased to confirm that our third application which will be submitted in April will be able to address this concern by providing a new road connection from our existing Augustus Park development on Whitsbury Road through to the A338 at Burgate where there will be a new roundabout junction.”

How to view and comment on the application

To view the application go to newforest.gov.uk (reference 21/10052).

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