Two major housing appeals in Colden Common have been refused

Developer Bargate Homes was appealing previously refused schemes to build homes in the area.

The first was for up to 21 homes on land opposite Kings Charles Cottage near Main Road and the other for 45 homes on land at Lower Moors Road.

Both applications were refused planning permission by officials in 2015.

One of the main issues for both appeals was whether or not the city council is able to demonstrate a five-year supply of housing land for the area.

The appeals decision states that the two developments would cause harm to council’s strategy and to the character and appearance of the area in conflict with the development plan.

Cllr Richard Izard said he was very pleased about the result.

"I helped form and was a member of the community engagement group that consisted of residents and parish councillors, known as Commonview, that selected the preferred sites for development through the consultation process," he said.

"The Bargate Inspector mentions the need for affordable housing but this didn't outweigh the reasons for refusing the appeal. The land identified for development and approved as part of Local Plan Part Two (LPP2) will produce around 90 properties and these will have the benefit of a local letting plan.

"I and the Parish acknowledge the need for affordable housing. However, countryside should not be developed when brownfield land and land within the existing development boundary is available for development within the Local Plan timescales.

"There is one site in Colden Common that is still going through an appeal process in Church Lane.

"This land was one of the least preferred sites for development identified during the consultation process.The developer has not withdrawn his appeal despite the result of the Bargate appeal.

"This could be that a larger scheme was shown at planning committee and the smaller scheme could just be a forerunner for such development which would close the gap between Colden Common and Bishopstoke even more unless the appeal is also rejected."

"I as one of the ward councillors and chair of parish council hope the remaining appeal is also rejected by the Inspector."

Cllr Sue Cook also said she was happy about the refusal.

"I think that the right decision has been made and I am pleased for that. It is about the village's character and appearance," she said.

"Those sites lie on the northern edge of Colden Common near Twyford and we just don't need to be all joined up.We want to have our spaces of green around us. The consultation process has to be done and has to be transparent."