Plans for 69 new Warblington homes given the go-ahead for development

The development on land to the east of Castle Avenue in Warblington was voted through by Havant Borough Council’s development management committee on Thursday.

The homes will run from below the railway line to the top of the A27, using St George’s Avenue as an access point.

In yesterday’s meeting, which was held over Skype, councillors praised developers for having a large amount of affordable housing on-site.

Ward councillor for Barncroft, Cllr Pam Crellin, said: ‘I was very impressed – I’ve looked at a lot of the deputations and everything has been answered, in my view.

‘I’m quite happy that the application is approved, subject to the officers’ recommendations.’

The committee’s vice-chairman, Cllr Elaine Shimbart, added: ‘I am glad that there seems to be a majority of family-sized homes and affordable housing.

‘They are things that are badly needed in this borough.’

Although the site was not considered by the council in its most recent local plan, councillor say this development will go a long way in fulfilling the town’s five-year housing plan quota.

The greenfield site, which is around a mile away from the town centre, has bus stops nearby and is close to Warblington School.

Extended negotiations have taken place between the council and developers, most notably over the inclusion of garages for sufficient parking.

There will be 21 two-bedroom, 44 three-bedroom and four four-bedroom properties in the development.

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But not everyone was on board with the proposal.

Ward councillor for Stakes, Cllr Dianne Lloyd, abstained from the vote.

She said: ‘I think there should be a condition that the road is to an appropriate standard, because there is going to be a lot of extra traffic coming in and out of these properties.

‘I was very heartened to see the full 30 per cent in this development, but I am a bit concerned that the affordable units are in the worst location and that those are the dwellings with less internal space.’

The motion passed with four votes in favour and two abstentions.

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