Traffic relief as a plan for new homes in Gosport falters

The planning application was submitted to Gosport Borough Council for new nine new homes within the back gardens of 363, 365 and 367 Fareham Road with access from Wych Lane. It was made by Woodhams JHE Development last December.

But the planning officer recommended to refuse the application and the council’s regulatory board agreed.

Cllr Dennis Wright, who represents Bridgemary North ward where the application was submitted, vented his frustration.

He said: ‘I very much hope that the committee will support the officer’s recommendation for refusal.

‘It’s no more than a back-garden development and is contrary to the local plan.

‘It would be a danger to traffic and there would have to be a road built on to Wych Lane, which is already chocka.’

Cllr Mark Hook, leader of the council, stated that the plan was contrary to a number of points in the local plan.

And on the council’s website, Hampshire County Council’s ecologist Tristan Norton said the land ‘could certainly support legally-protected species’.

The council received a number of public comments on the application, with the majority opposing.

Louise Gardner, of Wych Lane, said: ‘The proposal to build nine new town houses on the site off Wych Lane should be scrapped.

‘The area in front is currently used as allotments and home to many different species of animal, including but not limited to bats and other wildlife in an area built up.

‘The development would destroy local environment habitats.

‘A green area full of trees and plants will be destroyed having huge visual and environmental impact on the area.’

Alan Feltham, also of Wych Lane, said: ‘There are no safe crossing places in the area for pedestrians to cross when we wish to use the Eclipse bus or just to walk to Speed Fields park to shop, or just to stroll into Bridgemary.

‘This new road will be even more difficult for pedestrians to encounter.’

The News contacted 
Woodhams JHE Development, but no-one was available to comment.