Bargate Homes gets approval for 155 homes on Hordle Lane despite many objections. Issues include traffic and school capacity.
The parish council opposed the developer’s plan. Bargate Homes wants permission for a recreational area over three hectares or about seven acres, and these homes will be built west of Hordle Lane.
Councilor Malcolm Wade understood the parish council’s views. However, he acknowledged the need to build houses somewhere. He wants to work with the developer to solve problems, and he believes parking and affordable housing should improve.
Councilor John Sleep felt confident about future talks; the parish council will get a second chance to share concerns. Bargate Homes received permission for the Hordle project.
People feared losing green space and over development issues. They worried about impacts on residents, and some thought the schools lacked capacity. Traffic, noise pollution, and infrequent public transport were also concerns.
Wildlife, trees, and flood risks worried locals a lot. Hordle Parish Council was concerned about traffic safety, citing increased traffic with more pressure on local resources. Ecology impacts were also noted.
The council liked the initial fifty percent affordable housing plan but felt disappointed when it dropped to forty percent. They also believed the home number was simply too high, and the village infrastructure cannot support this growth.
Hordle CE Primary School also opposed these housing plans, stating the homes would negatively impact the community. Parking around the church and school would suffer with all the new homes.
A report for the council backed the plan, saying more open market and cheap housing is needed. The “up to” 155 new homes will indeed help, including one-bed apartments to four-bed houses.
Affordable housing comprises forty percent of homes, and Vivid owns Bargate Homes who will manage them. Types include shared ownership, rent, and social rent, and open spaces, play areas, and woodlands are included.
The plan relocates one allotment area while creating five new ones. The director at Bargate Homes felt “thrilled” about the result and will support New Forest Council efforts to improve. He emphasized that affordable homes are key.
He wants to build efficient family homes, and he believes public open space and play will bring a lasting legacy. He also wants allotments that the whole community can enjoy.