In the last few days Taylor Wimpey have issued letters inviting residents to their consultation meeting at Clanfield Memorial Hall on the 7th March between 2:00pm and 7:30pm.
It is important that you go and give your views.
The letter though has generated some concerns and feedback from a number of people I have seen, so I wish to put the record straight on some of their information.
Taylor Wimpey describe “Advanced proposals”. They also state that “Taylor Wimpey is seeking to provide housing in this sustainable location through pre-application discussions with EHDC”
It has been put to me by several residents in the last few days that has a clear inference that the plans have been discussed for some time, that EHDC has most likely already been involved. There is fear that that this is a ‘Done Deal’ or ‘Inevitable’. This would be very misleading, and I am sure it is not intentional on behalf of Taylor Wimpey.
I can categorically state the following:
1 – East Hants has received only an EIA Screening application. This is a simple application to determine the type of environmental study and work needed for a formal application. The level of detail is minimal.
2 – East Hants has received a request from Taylor Wimpey for a ‘pre application’ meeting and will be organising one shortly. No meetings have taken place between Taylor Wimpey and the Planners or Councillors to discuss this scheme.
3 – The documentation issued to East Hants with the EIA Screening Application is a significant way away from being able to be presented to East Hants as a planning application.
4 – If Taylor Wimpey have “Advanced Proposals” prior to public consultations then these would make incorporation of community feedback less flexible and this would be viewed as disappointing. Any planning authority, particularly, East Hants, fully expects developers to properly and positively engage in the consultation process.
5 – The view that the location is “Sustainable” is very much open to debate and many will disagree. Demonstrating that this is a “Sustainable Development” is a significantly larger task, and a long way from being demonstrated.
Any application this size will end up going to a planning committee and being heard in public by a group of District Councillors. If any application comes forward then I will be sure to let you know, and how to make relevant comments at the right time. Why not visit a planning meeting at East Hants to see this process in action in the mean time? they are public meetings and open to all.
In the meantime here is a copy of the newsletter that has been printed off in the last 2 days, and sincere thanks to the 20 volunteer helpers who have stepped forward to make sure we notify the area.
Downs Newsletter February 2014 WDF Special
horndeanmatters 
With regard to the ‘proposed’ development of White Dirt Farm. I have some sympathy for the
owner of the land as farming is fast becoming a ‘non-profitable’ occupation and if you do not
have family members wishing to take over this land, then I feel the current owner has a right
to sell the land. HOWEVER, putting a housing development on this plot is totally ridiculous.
Several points I would like to raise. 1. Southdown Road, and the adjoining road systems, are
currently so over borne with traffic it is fast becoming a nightmare to live along these roads.
Heavy lorries are on the increase and nobody seems to be aware of the 30mph speed limit
levied. (although to my mind it should be 20mph and more policing of these roads, or indeed
‘Safety Cameras’ be put in place). With more housing it would naturally increase the amount of
traffic to an alarming level. 2. During heavy rainfall there is a lot of surface flooding in the area
that the current drains cannot cope with. With the extra burden on these drains etc with the advent
of yet more housing being built this can only incur more flooding with the possibility of present
housing being affected. The proposed site is, in case nobody has noticed, is on a very steep
incline. Therefore, surface water will find its lowest level, ie Southdown Road and the environs.
3. The wild life that is currently enjoyed by many, if not all, will sadly be affected. Watching deer
in the field of White Dirt Farm is a joy. Where will they go to carry on with their lives, safely, as
they do at present? As this wild life has been in this area for goodness knows how long, it is their
‘stamping ground’, as it were. So they will continue to use this space even if housing is built
causing much unrest with the new home owners and their motor vehicles etc. Safety will be an
issue surely, as I am sure no-one would like to see dead animals, or infants, on their driveways.
4. The area in question is a natural open space to be enjoyed by all, as it is at the present and
should remain so. With the current housing developments around the area, it will soon end up
housing from Portsmouth to Petersfield with no gaps in between. Not a pleasant thought!