TEST Valley planners have permitted a scheme for 68 holiday lodges after refusing a larger scheme at the same site last year.
Geoffrey Billett will now be able to convert a caravan site at Hill Farm Park, Branches Lane in Sherfield English.
An application for 80 lodges was refused by Test Valley Borough Council's southern area planning committee last November, saying it was out of character for the area.
However, the new plan was permitted at a meeting on Tuesday, October 17. It received 14 objections and four supporting comments.
The meeting heard that occupancy of the lodges was restricted to 11 months of the year.
Sheila Cook, chairman of Sherfield English Parish Council's planning committee, said: “In effect, this will be a village within a village. The parish council would prefer the maximum occupation per year to be nine months, not 11.
READ MORE: Plans for 80 holiday lodges refused by councillors
“How will it be policed? It needs to match the main character of the village, which is a series of hamlets. There are no blocks of development. This would represent 22 per cent of our housing stock.”
The committee also heard from residents opposing the plan. Michael Arnison-Newgass, of Gambledown, said: “The village design statement is dismissed at 8.28 as 'not contain[ing] any specific guidance applicable to the type of development proposed'. But neither does the Local Plan. The word 'Caravan' occurs on only two of 200 pages of the report, 'Holiday Home' on none, whereas 'Character' occurs on 56 pages. Character is defined in the village design statement with specific guidance.”
Ursula Gooding, of Hillside, said: “The report contains fundamental data errors. You should not be asked to make a decision based on incorrect data.”
Supporter Jane Trillo, of Melchet Park, said: “In Sherfield English, we are lucky to have a pub and a shop. This plan will improve the park and reduce traffic. It will also increase employment and improve sustainability at the park.”
Cllr Alan Dowden said: “I'm happy to support this. The supporter said it would improve the park; I agree. Lodges are very popular and they look much more attractive than caravans. This will help Test Valley with tourism.”
Cllr Alison Johnstone said: “Our rural economy is increasingly fragile. This would provide employment opportunities.”
Cllr Sandra Gidley had concerns. She said: “I'm still unhappy with this. It feels like a step too far in the countryside.”
The committee voted in favour of permission with seven for and three against.
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