Gladman Developments reveals new plans for up to 145 new homes on land off Snails Lane, Blashford

A DEVELOPER whose plans for 143 homes on the edge of Ringwood were rejected in 2021 has confirmed it intends to submit a similar application for the site.

As reported in the A&T, an outline application by Gladman Developments for land off Snails Lane, Blashford, was turned down by New Forest District Council’s planning committee two years ago.

The council threw out the plans over the loss of trees, the density of the development, the lack of information on nitrate mitigation and the lack of an agreement to guarantee affordable housing.

The application attracted 500 objections from the public, as well as Ellingham, Harbridge and Ibsley Parish Council, with Cllr Roly Errington calling the scheme “the worst fate” for the area and totally alien to its “strong, semi-rural character”.

Many objectors were fuelled by the site’s proximity to a watercourse known as Lin Brook, which connects into the River Avon and Blashford Lakes – a series of flooded former gravel pits now used for nature conservation, fishing, boating, water skiing and drinking water storage.

The developer has now submitted a scoping opinion request to NFDC, which asks the council what should be contained in an environmental impact assessment (EIA) of the site.

Documents submitted to the council stated that it felt another EIA was unnecessary, as its latest plans for development at the site were “a similar nature, scale and function as that of the previous application”.

It adds: “The proposed development will comprise... demolition of existing buildings (stables/animal shelters) and erection of up to 145 residential dwellings and related land uses, including public open space and landscaping.

“The site has no prohibiting environmental or physical constraints and provides the opportunity to establish a sustainable development that is both physically and visually contained.

“The main point of access will be provided into the proposed development from Snails Lane, with a section of the lane being upgraded to adoptable standards as required.

“Additional footpath access points will be created with potential connections onto the existing Public Right of Way (PRoW) route.”

In its response, NFDC confirmed it was acceptable, subject to any updates required due to changes in policy, guidance and legislation, and added: “Accordingly, the proposed contents and scope of the environmental statement for the application presented in your letter, is a reproduction of that agreed with the council for the previous application.”