New Forest District Council set to approve 178-home scheme by Hurst Castle Ltd in Gore Road, New Milton

PLANS to build 178 homes on former greenbelt land in New Milton look set to be approved – two years after proposals were first submitted.

Hurst Castle Ltd wants to develop a 10-acre plot in Gore Road, between Double H Nurseries and The Barn restaurant. The site is allocated in the by New Forest District Council’s Local Plan for at least 160 homes and public open space.

The application for outline permission, due to be discussed by the council’s planning committee on Wednesday, states 37 properties would be allocated as affordable – 21% of the total scheme – which would be a mixture of shared ownership and affordable rent.

Existing access from Gore Road would remain.

The plans have been backed by New Milton Town Council despite residents’ objections.

As reported in the A&T, a council meeting in 2022, which the application was first submitted, heard concerns from locals included the impact on road speeds and HGV movements.

They also felt local schools and GP surgeries would be further stretched by an influx of new pupils and patients.

The application has attracted 20 letters of objection, with concerns over an increase in traffic, pollution, the impact on wildlife and potential flooding.

Two letters of support said housing was needed in the area and would bring economic benefits.

NFDC officers are recommending the scheme for approval. A report to councillors stated: “The scheme would have environmental benefits of delivering development on an allocated site in a sustainable location where local services and facilities can be accessed by modes of transport other than the private car.

“It would deliver modern housing built to the most up-to-date building regulations, providing energy efficiency and high levels of insulation.

“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 range of choice.”

It adds: “Being unable to demonstrate a five-year supply of housing land available, it is imperative that the sites allocated for housing in the Local Plan are brought forward in order to ensure the supply of housing meets identified need in terms of annual delivery rates and overall supply.”

When asked about the delay in bringing the application to committee, a council spokesperson said: “Officers have been working with the developers during this time to finalise the proposal.”