Highwood Homes announces public consultation on its plans for up to 180 new homes and country park at Home Farm in Hythe

A DEVELOPER has revealed plans for up to 180 new homes and a country park on the Waterside.

Highwood Homes is holding a consultation on its proposal for Home Farm in Hythe – which is currently used mostly as grazing land – which will take place on Tuesday (28th).

While few details have been revealed, a leaflet advertising the consultation at Hythe and Dibden parish hall in West Street, which runs from 3pm until 7pm, states the development would include new drop-off and parking facilities for nearby Noadswood and Orchard Infant and Junior schools.

While the company is yet to submit a formal planning application to New Forest District Council, it has requested an Environmental Impact Assessment, which scopes out the land with the aim of avoiding or minimising negative environmental impacts. It also provides an opportunity to incorporate positive environmental enhancements into a project.

The application states the developer would seek permission for up to 180 homes, although a Highwood spokesperson told the A&T it would more likely be in the region of 162.

The application states: “The site is located in the north-west of Hythe, on land between Southampton Road and the southern side of Challenger Way. The site is approximately 19.5 hectares in size and is comprised of grassland, arable land and woodland.

“The site is divided into 10 fields [and] comprised of four parcels, which are accessed via three separate vehicular access points; Claypits Lane, Widecombe Drive, and two access points from Challenger Way.

“Based upon the emerging illustrative designs, the proposed residential dwellings will be located in four parcels around the north, east and southern boundary of the site.

“The illustrative design also proposes the retention of a significant proportion of the site for use as green corridors [and] SINC buffer meadows.”

A public right of way which runs across the site from the north boundary to the south would be retained, although “some disruption” during construction period could occur temporarily, it adds.

Land and sales director at Highwood, Simon Beech, told the A&T: “We’re very excited to present our proposals for Home Farm. We’ve engaged closely with stakeholders throughout the design process to ensure the site can achieve its full potential.

“Our plans will not only meet the government’s need for additional housing in the New Forest district but, by providing new parking and drop-off facilities at two local schools, will alleviate the current peak time traffic congestion issues.”

He added: “However, the centrepiece of our proposal is the new country park that extends to over 12 hectares. Together with respected local business, General Estates, we’re seeking to gift this land to the parish council so local residents can enjoy this beautiful landscape for generations to come.”

Full details of the scheme will be revealed at www.highwoodgroup.co.uk/homefarm