Press Release

29 January 2019

Appeal for new homes in Hill Head dismissed

Fareham Borough Council has successfully defended an appeal by Bargate Homes for up to 150 new homes on land west of Old Street, Hill Head. 

The planning application was refused by the Planning Committee on 23rd March 2018 following which an appeal was lodged by the developers.   This led to a Public Inquiry being held between 11-14 December 2018 and the decision to dismiss the appeal was published by the Planning Inspectorate on 22nd January 2019.

Reasons for dismissing the appeal were primarily:

• the importance of protecting the Meon Valley landscape;
• the overall effect of the proposed development on the Lower Meon Valley landscape would be significant and harmful;
• to protect existing views of the rural landscape for users of the National Nature Reserve;
• to avoid unacceptable harm to the attractive landscape of the Lower Meon Valley.

Summing up in her conclusions, the Planning Inspector said ‘Notwithstanding the substantial benefits that would flow from the proposed development there would also be very substantial harm. The harm to the countryside within the valued landscape of the Lower Meon Valley outweighed the advantages of the scheme.’

Cllr Nick Walker, Chairman of Fareham Borough Council’s Planning Committee said: ‘I am delighted the Planning Inspector dismissed the appeal and the Planning Committee’s decision to refuse the planning application was upheld.   It’s really good news for the Borough.’

ENDS

For further information contact:

Customer Enquiries

Tel: 01329 236100
Email: customerservicecentre@fareham.gov.uk

Media Enquiries

The Communications Team
Tel: 01329 824310
Email: publicity@fareham.gov.uk
Fax: 01329 550576

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