Plans have been mooted for up to 220 homes in Fordingbridge.

Cala Homes (Thames) has completed the unconditional purchase of a 17.4-hectare site along Station Road (between Ashford Close and Marl Lane) and are drawing up proposals for the site.

A statement issued on behalf of Cala Homes said the development will be made up of one to five-bedroom homes, which would include provision of affordable homes.

The site is earmarked for residential development within New Forest District Council’s Local Plan.

Cala Homes (Thames) said: “Cala has a strong track record in securing planning consent and delivering new homes across Hampshire, with current developments in Winchester and Alton.

“We’re currently drawing up plans for the 220 homes at Fordingbridge and look forward to sharing them when we host a public consultation in due course. We are committed to listening and responding to local views through the planning process and welcome feedback on our plans to bring forward a high-quality neighbourhood for the local community.”

The housebuilding firm says the site would benefit from its urban wildlife strategy to protect and enhance local wildlife. Adding: “A network of interventions will ensure the new development plays its part in delivering diverse ecosystems for species such as swifts, bats, bees and hedgehogs to help them thrive.”

This would include bird nesting features, specialist hedgehog fencing, bat boxes or bat roosting tiles and native tree planting.

Cala Homes says it is also working with The Bee Mission, an initiative that helps build and maintain beehives.

The development scheme, it says, would also “deliver additional community benefits, including large public open spaces such as Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG)”.

Freddie Webber, the land director at Cala Homes (Thames), added: “We are looking forward to working closely with the council and local stakeholders to deliver this exceptional site, including high quality private and affordable homes in the coming months.”

An application seeking outline planning permission for 240 homes on the land to the north of Station Road site had previously been submitted by Infinite Homes Ltd to New Forest District Council, which were withdrawn.

That application sparked a number of objections and concerns among residents over the impact on traffic, infrastructure and amenities in Fordingbridge.

 

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