NEW plans to build four new homes in Fordingbridge have sparked concerns over "overdevelopment" and parking.

The application for 2 Park Road came before Fordingbridge Town Council's planning committee on Wednesday March 9.

It has been submitted to New Forest District Council by Northshore Companies Ltd.

A previous application to build six homes (three semi detached properties) received objections from the town council for reasons of overdevelopment and parking issues back in November of last year. However, the application was later withdrawn.

The site is located at the junction of Park Road with Salisbury Road. To make way for the new homes the current property at 2 Park Road would be demolished, and the meeting heard, it was deemed to have "no architectural or historical merit".

The new properties would be four-bed homes. At least three car parking spaces, including garage, per dwelling is proposed.

Cllr Paul Anstey said Hampshire County Council Highways had expressed no objections to the proposals in principle but would need to grant permission for three drop kerbs.

The meeting heard one of the homes would have a new access on Salisbury Road while the others would be on Park Road.

Cllr Nobby Goldsmith felt the density had not changed and raised concerns over the parking especially if the occupants had more than one car as they would be directly behind each other.

"It is a mockery. It's no different at all," he said. "They want to put too much on there."

Concerns for neighbouring residents included car parking and loss of privacy.

Cllr Diane Paton said: "I would still say it is overdevelopment. I think they're being a bit greedy."

She felt the parking was "even worse" as there would be just as many cars.

Cllr Edward Hale added that the house would be suitable for three homes rather than trying to "cram" a fourth one on the site so close to Salisbury Road.

He was also concerned over the tiny gap between some of the properties.

Cllr Paton felt overlooking would not be an issue as the homes were set further back than the ones proposed.

While Cllr Anstey added: "It is the knock on effect of the cars and loss of car parking. It's the density - what it brings to the party is my concern."

Cllr John Mouland said: "It is too much"

The design and access statement says the site is located in a "highly sustainable location" - "contribute to the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of Fordingbridge".

The proposals, it said, would also make "more efficient use of urban land" and provide "modern, fit-for-purpose family accommodation, meeting a need for family properties".

The town council unanimously agreed to recommend refusal for reasons including overdevelopment and concerns it would further increase the problems with parking along Park Road.

New Forest District Council as the planning authority will decide whether planning permission is granted. To view the application (22/10148) visit: newforest.gov.uk

 

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