Vistry Southern asks NFDC to axe pedestrian and cycle links through housing estate on Crow Arch Lane and Crow Lane, Ringwood

A DEVELOPER behind an estate of 175 homes near Ringwood wants to axe pedestrian and cycle links it was required to build.

Work on the development off Crow Lane finished in December 2022, but it has yet to deliver the two links, which would connect land to Christchurch Road, and homes to the boundaries between developed areas.

Vistry Southern says it cannot build the Christchurch Road link as the paths would be on land outside of the application site.

The application to remove the two conditions has received 20 letters of objection from members of the public, who say it should be built.

One wrote: “It is vital that foot and bike paths are completed to allow safe access to all those who would access Christchurch Road.

“Accessibility is very poor in this area, making car use inevitable if these paths are not completed.”

Another said: “They were happy to build a footpath originally, but now want wriggle out of that obligation.”

NFDC’s member for Ringwood South, Cllr Jeremy Heron said it would be “perverse” to remove the conditions, adding it would “go against” the council’s green agenda and commitment to address climate change.

A decision will be made by NFDC after the public consultation closes on 9th February.