Thank you very much to all those who came to the Extraordinary Meeting of the Parish Council on Monday, 3rd August, at which the proposed development at Bulbery Field was debated.
Mr Mike Jones, representing the promoter, Richborough Estates, came to answer questions from villagers.
Mr Jones explained the role of the promoter as having to work for the best interests of the landowner (a private family). The current proposals are for a development of up to 70 houses, but this is only illustrative. If the present outline planning application is passed and the land sold to a building company, that company might then apply to erect more – or fewer – houses than shown in this scheme.
Many members of the audience asked questions of the promoter, on subjects such as housing density, traffic dangers, and potential damage to the village and village life.
At the conclusion of a well-extended Public Participation session, the Council resumed formal proceedings to discuss the plan.
Councillors resolved unanimously to Object to the application – to applause from the floor!
Anyone who is of the same opinion as the Parish Council should write to Head of Planning, Test Valley Borough Council, Beech Hurst, Weyhill Road, Andover, Hants, SP10 3AJ, using reference number 15/01634/OUTN. E-mail address is: planning@testvalley.gov.uk. You should give your full postal address, including post code.
THE OFFICIAL DUE DATE FOR COMMENTS IS BY FRIDAY, 14TH AUGUST, before which no decision will be made by the Officer in Charge. However, he is prepared to receive representations for a short while after this date in order to hear as many views as possible.
Nevertheless, you would be well-advised to submit any comments you may have as soon as possible so that they can be taken into account.
Thank you to everyone who has shown interest and active involvement in this matter of great importance for our village.
Bernard Griffiths
Chairman, Abbotts Ann Parish Council
