Eleven-year-old girl writes letter in bid to stop homes being built next to Titchfield Haven nature reserve

'˜DEAR the government'¦Â we must remember that this planet is not only home to humans but the creatures that live here too.'
Illustrative drawing of the development site on land west to Old Street, StubbingtonIllustrative drawing of the development site on land west to Old Street, Stubbington
Illustrative drawing of the development site on land west to Old Street, Stubbington

Those are the words of 11-year-old Amelie Langley that her grandfather Michael Jackson read to a public inquiry in a bid to prevent 150 homes being built near Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve. 

Fareham Borough Council refused a planning application for land west of Old Street in Stubbington from Bargate Homes last year but the bespoke builder firm appealed the decision and a four day public inquiry has begun.

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Along with Amelie's letter that mentioned the many types of animals that call the reserve, Michael spoke about the personal  impact as a resident of Old Street whose house is opposite the proposed access to the new development.

Illustrative drawing of the development site on land west to Old Street, StubbingtonIllustrative drawing of the development site on land west to Old Street, Stubbington
Illustrative drawing of the development site on land west to Old Street, Stubbington

He said: '˜It will have serious impact on my standard of living as I live opposite the access and so I will get headlights straight into my living room and bedroom.

'˜It is also a danger for existing residents and their vehicles as well as the vehicles that would be turning out as well.'

Paul Stinchcombe QC appeared on behalf of the council and spoke of the council's wishes to retain the Strategic Gap.

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Mr Stinchcombe said: '˜What the council does resist and firmly resists is what we consider to be a damaging development in the Meon strategic gap.

'˜It would undermine the importance of the gap and create a precedent for building elsewhere throughout the gap.'

Michael added: '˜You must ensure you have exhausted all the opportunities before making changes to the green belt.'

Christopher Boyle QC represented Bargate Homes at the appeal held yesterday in the council's chambers.

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Mr Boyle said: '˜There is issue taken by the authority. Given the low density of the scheme and compared with the existing development this is an appropriate scheme for a site of this nature.'

On ecological concerns, Mr Boyle said '˜there was no objection from Natural England'.

The council's five year housing land supply was also spoken about with the council calculating the supply at 4.08 years while Bargate Homes said the figure was 2.86 years but both parties agreed the five year target has not been met.

Mr Stinchcombe said: '˜Fareham Borough Council does not have a five year housing land supply and that of course is regrettable but it does not mean that the council is failing to do what it should.

'˜Quite the contrary the council is taking action.'

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Commander Anthony Norris is an ex Royal Navy officer who has lived in Fareham since 1963 and has volunteered at the Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve for many years.

Cdr Norris told the inquiry: '˜It is a place to live, a place to visit and a place to be enjoyed.

'˜It is my view it is the most important site of its kind. It is a priceless space and should remain as much.'

The inquiry is scheduled to finish on Thursday and both parties indicated they would not be asking for costs.