New Swanmore housing approved

7:08pm Monday 25th August 2008

A SCHEME to put 14 affordable homes on the outskirts of Swanmore has been given the green light.

Applicant Hyde Housing Association was given the go-ahead to put the new homes in Dodds Lane by Winchester City Council's planning committee last Wednesday (August 20).

It was approved despite concerns about pedestrian safety in Dodds Lane from members of the planning committee and nearby residents. Hampshire Highways said that although a footpath would be desirable it was not practical because it could destroy the roadside hedge and cause drainage problems.

But Cllr Barry Lipscomb said: "It's an accident waiting to happen. I don't want to see a footpath put down in a few years' time because a young child has been injured, or worse. I want to see us put it in now."

Swanmore Parish Council said it wanted a footpath but that there was not enough space and the need for affordable housing in the area was more pressing.

Cllr Georgina Busher said: "I think it's about time we started lobbying the county council to put more money into building footpaths in rural areas. But I agree that on balance the actual need for the affordable housing outweighs the fact we can't get a footpath."

The exception site, which is currently unkempt farmland, will host one four-bedroom, four three-bedroom, five two-bedroom and four one-bedroom homes.