HOOFF hosts a public meeting opposing 200 homes on a former farm site, citing traffic, green space loss, and environmental concerns.
The first part asks to tear down some old buildings and includes building up to 200 new houses. Seventy of these would be affordable homes and the plan adds a new road entrance. The second part shows planned public spaces, including play areas, orchards, allotments, and a natural area. A walking path also links to Rollestone Road.
A group called HOOFF opposes the building and they want people to attend a meeting. They hope residents will join their fight as HOOFF aims to protect the forest’s character. They believe the land should stay farmland and preserving wildlife matters greatly to them. They also think local roads are too small and won’t handle more houses.
The group encourages people to walk the site and then attend their meeting at Bethany Gospel Hall to learn more about the campaign. Many people already object to the plan, having sent 53 letters. They worry about more traffic, losing green space, and harming animals like bats and falcons.
One person said grazing land is vital and losing it hurts a tradition that sustains the New Forest. They claim no good exists for the forest and argue that only loss results from building. This person’s family made hay for years and fed animals with it, but now face losing that land and asks where they will get hay as developments threaten their way of life.
The plan includes Lynwood Farm, which John and George Orman ran and where they collected old farm machines. These machines were sold after they died. Five letters support the plan and supporters cite the need for homes.
The council will decide on the plan soon, having extended the public comment period to a deadline of May 14th. The HOOFF meeting is March 1st, a Saturday from 11 AM to 2:30 PM at Bethany Gospel Hall on Rollestone Road.