New Forest District Council approves scheme for nine new homes on land near Woodberry Day Nursery on Rollestone Road, Holbury

NINE new homes near a nursery in Holbury have been given the go-ahead despite traffic safety concerns.

Development Matters applied to New Forest District Council to build the two, three and four-bed homes on land near Woodberry Day Nursery in Rollestone Road.

Part of the site would be retained as a parking area for the nursery use, served by a new vehicle access onto Rollestone Road.

The application was discussed at a recent meeting of the council’s planning committee, which approved the plans by six votes to two.

It had been recommended for approval in a report by council planners, despite its location outside of the built-up area.

The report explained: “Due to the council's lack of a deliverable five-year housing land supply, there is evidently a strong need to secure additional housing within the area.”

The plans had been objected to by Fawley Parish Council, which said the site was not allocated for housing in the Local Plan.

It also raised concerns over the impact on parents dropping children at the nursery due to a reduction in parking.

The council also received 19 letters of objection from residents, who raised concerns the development would increase traffic problems and felt the new access was “dangerous”.

Others said the area should be retained as a green space or provide affordable homes.

Cllr John Sleep, supporting the scheme, said: “I do sympathise tremendously with the traffic issues, but once again we’ve got a situation where we have to provide housing in our communities and we aren’t providing enough.

“Unfortunately, we’re in a cleft stick again, aren’t we?”