Developer under fire over concerns about Hayling housing development

Bellway Homes has been criticised during the long-running saga about 131 homes being built on Mengham Fields off Goldring Close, Hayling Island.

The 10-acre site was considered a vital green space and Havant Borough Council turned down the development three years ago, only to be overruled by the government’s planning inspector at an appeal.

Residents now claim some of the planning regulations have not been adhered to.

Neighbours say there is a legal restrictive covenant on the land to not permit building within 70ft of the southern eastern boundary, beyond which is the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

However, it appears houses have been built 30ft from the eastern boundary.

Residents are also angry about a sales parking area built directly next to a protected hedgerow that provided habitat for local wildlife.

John Broomhead, 66, of Goldring Close, Mengham, said: ‘The potential for noise and light pollution to the AONB is high with no mitigation yet noted to try to reduce the impact.’ 

He added: ‘Delivery trucks and spoil removal trucks are regularly seen and heard before 8am.

‘Promises not to create noise before 8am have not been honoured thereby disturbing local residents on a regular basis.’

And he said: ‘More must be done to ensure builders comply with the documentation submitted to get planning applications approved.’

Hayling East councillor John Perry was concerned bright headlights from parked cars on the site were shining on to the protected goose field.

Over the past year developers have applied for several changes to the original planning permission granted.

A statement from Havant Borough Council said: ‘Planning officers have had active engagement with both local residents and the developers, Bellway, over the course of the development of this site.

‘Where allegations of breaches of planning control have been alleged, these have been investigated and followed up where necessary with Bellway in order to secure appropriate remedial action.

‘We will continue to work with both Bellway and the residents in order that the development delivers much-needed housing in a manner consistent with the terms of the planning permissions that have been granted for the site.’

Despite repeated requests, no-one was available for comment at Bellway.