Press Release

14 February 2019

Appeal for new homes in Swanwick dismissed

Fareham Borough Council has successfully defended an appeal by Reilly Developments Ltd for 42 new homes on land off Sopwith Way in Swanwick.

The planning application was refused by the Planning Committee on 23 February 2018 following which an appeal was lodged by the developers. An Inspector was appointed by the Secretary of State and a Hearing, followed by a site visit, took place on 18 December last year. The decision to dismiss the appeal was published by the Planning Inspectorate on 14 February 2019.

In his letter dismissing the appeal the Planning Inspector shared the same concerns as the Council and many local residents. In particular the Inspector highlighted:

Location - the remoteness of the site from services and facilities would mean that occupants of the proposed dwellings were likely to have to rely on their cars for most trips; and
Character and appearance – the development would have a suburban character and appearance that would not be in keeping with the spacious, semi-rural character and appearance in the immediate vicinity.

Summing up his report, the Planning Inspector said ‘I conclude that the development would be contrary to the relevant policies of the Council’s development plan.’

Cllr Nick Walker, Chairman of Fareham Borough Council’s Planning Committee said: ‘I am delighted that once again a Planning Inspector has agreed with the Planning Committee’s original decision and dismissed the appeal.’

The letter from the Planning Inspector may be viewed in full on the Council’s website.

ENDS