Test Valley Group Report 2007

Test Valley District Group

by John Cooper

Key issue: Local Development Framework

The key issue at present is to develop our response to the Local Development Framework which will shape the way the borough moves over the next 20 years. Currently 'preferred development options' are being considered and we are pressing that top priority is given to recycling brownfield land.

The South East Plan and in the south of the borough, the South Hampshire Sub-region prescribes the levels of housing required. Our aim will be to minimise the take of greenfield land, plan for high levels of sustainability and aim for high quality layout and design.

In the north of the borough all the development is focussed on two Major Development Areas around Andover already identified in the Local Plan - East Anton and Picket Twenty with existing planning permission for some 3,700 homes.

The position in the south is much less clear. Of the 3,900 allocated perhaps 3,200 will be greenfield. To the north, Abbotswood is a reserve site and might take 800 houses; the rest on locations to the south and south east of the town are already raising major concerns.

The megashed on the Andover Business Park

This proposal stemming from Tesco's relentless expansion has generated huge local opposition around Andover. It would do nothing to provide the high quality, high qualification jobs that Andover badly needs, it would dominate the new business park and deter other suitable businesses and it would cause serious congestion on the junction with the A303 and with the road itself.

Care homes Stockbridge

This is the subject of planning proposals for two large care/residential/nursing homes outside the village envelope and on land designated as 'open areas and landscape features'. We have raised objections to both.

Extension of air corridor up Test Valley

The Air Traffic Control people decided to go ahead with this despite robust local opposition. Their decision was seriously flawed and consideration is now being given to pursuing a judicial review.