RINGWOOD councillors have objected to plans to build nearly 500 homes in the town and called for the developers to “go back to the drawing board”.

Ringwood Town Council (RTC) at a meeting on Wednesday April 27 approved its response to the proposals put forward for land at Moortown Lane.

A “hybrid” planning application for land off Moortown Lane has been submitted by Crest Nicholson to New Forest District Council seeking outline permission for 323 homes and full permission for 168 homes.

Land at Moortown Lane, strategic site 13, was earmarked for development in the New Forest District Council’s Local Plan.

The plans also include public open space, children’s play areas, sports pitches and a MUGA.

The town council’s response said: “The town council recognises that both nationally and locally, there is a housing shortage, particularly for younger people who find it difficult to the point of impossibility to step onto the housing ladder.

“However, there are so many issues with the present applications, both online and detailed that we urge that the application be refused and the application be in effect invited to go back to the drawing board.”

The council says “the applicant needs to demonstrate that its proposals include appropriate infrastructure and in the view of RTC, the current application manifestly fails in that regard”.

There were concerns over recreational space, the type of housing mix and proportion of affordable housing and density and that there was no provision of a community facility and a primary school in the plans.

The council also flagged issues with access to and from the site as well as the proposed junction between Moortown Lane and Christchurch Road, which it said was “unsatisfactory”. Further concerns were raised over the impact on nature and ecology and flooding, drainage, water supply and foul water and the need to use sustainable technologies such as solar panels and heat pumps.

A Crest Nicholson spokesperson said: “We’re thankful to the Town Council for their time spent considering this application and welcome all feedback.

“We are reviewing all consultation responses, including those from the Town Council, local residents and statutory consultees, and will continue to work with all stakeholders to deliver a scheme everyone can be proud of.”

The district council will decide whether permission is granted. To view the proposals visit newforest.gov.uk and use reference 21/11723.

 

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