Lib Dems Condemn Government Decision on 25 Hiltingbury Road

3.14.14pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 25th Oct 2004

Lib Dems Have Condemned the Planning Decision on 25 Hiltingbury Road

A planning application, refused by the Lib Dem run Borough Council, for the demolition of a house at 25 Hiltingbury Road, Chandler's Ford and its replacement with eight flats has been allowed on appeal.

The proposed development by Pinedene Homes includes eight two bed apartments in a two storey block at 25 Hiltingbury Road plus parking for twelve cars towards the front of the site.

The Council's Chandler's Ford and Hiltingbury Local Area Committee refused the application in March 2004 on the grounds of inappropriate development. This decision was challenged by the developer. The subsequent appeal was dealt with by written representations with a site inspection by the Planning Inspectorate on 8 October.

The Inspector who considered the appeal, Michael Evans whilst expressing sympathy with views expressed about the history of the site, referred to the house as not having any special status. He was also unable to agree that the proposal was an over development of the site.

Earlier applications on the site in December 2002 seeking outline permission for twelve flats and in May 2003 seeking eleven flats were both refused by the Council. The decision to refuse the application for twelve flats was also the subject of an appeal but this was dismissed by the Inspectorate in October 2003.

Commenting, Council Leader Keith House said:

"The local community in Hiltingbury argued passionately against this development. This Inspector's decision shows how determined the Government is to drive up the density of development. Our response at the Borough Council is to publish extra guidance to developers on areas of special character, to help retain individual buildings and styles of housing within

selected area. Chandler's Ford and Hiltingbury will be the first of these Special Character Areas and we very much hope that more sympathetic developments can be encouraged for the future".