Over the last few days surveyors have been seen on and around White Dirt farm. I have had several calls and emails to let me know, and asking questions, so I have put some of these here:
“Why would surveyors be out on the farm land?” There are very few reasons why this might occur and the concern is that it could be in preparation for a planning application.
“Has a planning application been put in for White Dirt Farm?” – No. no application has been received.
“Do East Hants know of any proposals to submit one?” Neither I, nor the Ward Councillor (Councillor Sara Schillemore whose ward it is in) know of any plans, and we are both following this up with the planning team at EHDC so see if they have heard of anything.
“Planning has already been approved and it is a done deal” Absolutely not. It is just not possible for any planning application to be considered and approved without bring notified and consulted on.
“The site can not be built on”. The land is in a “Designated Local Gap” which means that the current and past District Councillors and planning staff at EHDC have decided that it should not be built on to make sure that adjacent villages do not merge together. White Dirt Farm is important gap land between Horndean, Clanfield and Cowplain. The Local Plan and Joint Core Strategy (which will be adopted in March 2014) contain local policies to protect designated local gaps. These prevent the land from being developed provided 1) there are other better locations to build on, and 2) the rate of new house building is meeting the current requirements (known as the 5 year plan) We absolutely have better places to build on (see earlier articles on housing to read more about Hazleton Farm) but our new build progress which varies may not currently be fast enough with the new and significantly larger housing numbers we are required to deliver.
“Was Green Lane in gap land?” Green Lane was not a designated gap so we have more protection and environmental reasons to oppose development here.
“What is your view?” I am on record as being totally against any development on White Dirt Farm and will strongly oppose any application.
“Can an application be stopped before it is submitted?” No. Anyone is free to submit a planning application at any time for any land. There are however much better sites to develop with a far better prospect of success than this site which will receive fierce resistance if an application turns up. It does, however, create concern and anxiety in the meantime.
“Could bulldozers turn up tomorrow?” No. The planning process for a large site is lengthy and involves consultation and extensive survey. Any serious application for a site this large will cost between £50,000 and £100,000 to prepare for and to submit.
“Is there a risk the farm could be developed?” We have done everything we can to protect the land but yes, there is unless we can demonstrate we are building enough housing elsewhere, or the proposals are not Sustainable as defined by the NPPF (See Below). Again, there are much better and lower risk sites for the developers to select.
Further Reading: Planning is governed by The NPPF – National Planning Policy Framework and the link for this policy is here: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/6077/2116950.pdf
I will put updates on here when I receive any hard facts.
Guy.
horndeanmatters 
Keep up the good work Guy opposing any development on White Dirt Farm. They were even surveying Old South Road (not part of the farm)
It is good that Guy is raising awareness about this situation – thank you, Guy, for that. As the new Horndean Parish Councillor for the Downs ward, I will also be keeping an eye on the situation.
The Landscape Capacity Study, East Hants Core Strategy document dated June 2013, makes the following statement about this piece of land:
“This is a dramatically sloping site to the north of Horndean. It lies within the
area of more open undulating chalkland landscape and adjacent to relatively
recently built residential areas. Given the dramatic topography of the area
and the proximity of adjacent housing this is a prominent and highly visual
site. It is currently in agricultural use. Development of this site would
profoundly and adversely change the character of the area. Ideally therefore
this site should not be developed.”
I am a resident of north Horndean, a large part of which, I believe, was developed mid-’80s, and I have lived here for 14 years now.
The location is very attractive because of the sloping field opposite.
There is a variety of wildlife to be seen and heard.
The gap between ourselves and Catherington is maintained by the presence of this field.
of course, it would be a great shame indeed if this land were to be released for development. But my personal stand aside, I am equally concerned about the lack of facilities and infrastructure which should be a part of any development. Downwood Way was, a few years ago, a rather quiet road, now very busy, especially during rush hour. Can this feeder road really cope with a projected increase? What about pressure upon other facilities and amenities? (also an existing lack of facilities??)
I guess my final comment upon this subject is that Horndean has surely had at least its fair share of building, so – at the risk of being accused of being a nimby (wrong – I already live in a built-up area!) I suggest it’s time for other areas being considered. Horndean is a village, and I for one would like to keep it that way.
Thank you to Guy, for setting up the blog, it’s probably the first time that us Horndean residents have been provided with such important information, and readily available.
I received a letter this evening informing me of this proposed development at White Dirt Farm. It is worrying that the beautiful landscape will be turned into a housing estate. As recent residents this was one of the focal points which attracted us to the area.
I am eagerly awaiting the meeting which is due to take place at the Clanfield Memorial Hall on the 7th March.
What concerns me is that these developers generally seem to get their own way when it comes down to planning applications, a good example would be Manor Farm in Denvilles where my parents live. How this site was approved is beyond me given the flow of traffic around the already troublesome train gates only due to be made significantly worse when all the houses are built.
Fingers crossed that the developers get caught up in some red tape or technicality preventing them from getting sign off.
Dear Damien,
“Fingers crossed that the developers get caught up in some red tape or technicality preventing them from getting sign off.”
I will try very very hard…
hopefully we can fight this one off.
best wishes,
guy.