Outline application by L Reeves and Merlion Capital Corporation for up to 196 homes on land north of Cooks Lane set to be approved by NFDC

A DEVELOPMENT of almost 200 homes is set for the green light more than two years after the application was submitted.

As reported in the A&T, the outline application for up to 196 properties by L Reeves and Merlion Capital Corporation would see land north of Cooks Lane developed for mix of two, three and four-bedroom houses and flats.

Of the properties, 127 would be market homes, with the remaining a mixture of affordable and social rent, and affordable home ownership.

New access roads would be created from Cooks Lane and Pauletts Lane, and the development would have 393 car parking spaces. An existing property on the site would be kept.

The site is included in New Forest District Council's Local Plan, which earmarks the wider strategic site 1, known as Totton north, for up to 1,000 homes.

The council’s planning committee is set to discuss the application on Wednesday, with officers recommending its approval.

A report to members said the scheme would have “significant social benefits” and “make a very significant contribution” to housing supply in the district

It added: “Whilst the outline application does not present a final design strategy, the illustrative material does propose flats and houses, in a mix of sizes, creating a mixed and balanced community as well as giving a wide choice of housing options.”

However, the application has drawn 41 letters of objections from locals, who say social housing is out of character for the area, increased traffic could impact pedestrian safety, and the scheme is an overdevelopment.

Other concerns raised include the design and density being out of keeping, overlooking, anti-social behaviour, flooding and disturbance to residents during construction.

Totton and Eling Town Council is also against the “unsatisfactory” scheme. In its response to the council, it said residents who have not been previously overlooked will be “surrounded” by new housing, the development will impact wildlife, and Pauletts Lane would not manage with the increased traffic volume.

Ten supporting letters praised the provision of new homes, the housing mix and nearby green space.