War over potential Portchester estate to continue as developers appeal council's rejection

A field that sits between Cranleigh Road and Quintrell Avenue in Portchester and being considered for a large housing development

Developer Persimmon Homes have appeal Fareham Borough Council’s decision to reject their planning application for the estate off Cranleigh Road in Portchester.

The appeal means it is the fourth time in the last thirty years that developers have had to go to a planning inspector to reverse the council’s decision.

Shaun Cunningham, borough councillor for Portchester East, who opposes the development, said: ‘We know how difficult this appeal is going to be.

‘I really think that the community and councillors are going to have work together to come up with the right action plan to fight it.’

Cllr Cunningham believes the delay in building the 6,000-Welborne estate to the north of Fareham could have a ‘crucial’ impact on the planning inspector’s decision.

He said: ‘As Welborne continues to be delayed, the developers will be happy as it means Fareham is not filling its housing supply that it has acquired.

The council was taken to appeals to the planning inspector back in 2004, 1996 and 1986.

The local authority turned down Persimmon Home’s application for the homes to the west of Wicor Primary School in March this year.

A large majority of local residents have objected to the plans due to fears over the loss of green spaces and the impact on traffic congestion.

Alex Phillips, of Quintrel Avenue, Portchester said: ‘It feels like a never-ending war.

‘Can’t we just have some green spaces left for the children?’

However, Wendy Hall in Cranleigh Road is in support of the application.

She said: ‘I’m all for it.

‘The housing has got to go somewhere and I don’t see why it can’t go here.’

Councillor Geoff Fazackarley, who represents Portchester East added: ‘I will, as I’ve always done, fight this to the very end.

‘This goes far beyond housing, it attacks the character of our village and puts even more strain on our services.

Matt Paine, managing director for Persimmon Homes South Coast said: ‘There is an increasing need for new homes to be built in the borough. We believe the site to be a suitable and sustainable location.’

The appeal is expected to take place early next year.