COUNCILLORS have narrowly permitted the next phase of development at a retirement village near Chandler's Ford.
Ampfield Meadows is currently under construction on the former North Hill Sawmill Yard in Baddesley Road, Flexford.
The retirement community will offer 149 flats for the over 65s, after the outline plans were permitted in 2018.
The application was for the appearance, landscaping, and layout of the next phase of development - including 17 buildings that would provide 91 homes.
This scheme has objections that a year ago led Test Valley Borough Council's southern area planning committee to refuse the same proposal because of overbearing on properties in Flexford Close.
Applicant Senior Living (Chandler's Ford) Ltd's new plan had buildings set further away from the boundary with Flexford Close, but residents still had fears they would be overbearing.
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Despite this, the planning committee permitted it on Tuesday, March 12.
Ampfield Parish Council chairman Bryan Nanson said: “The new buildings will really tower and overlook neighbouring homes. It's a very material loss of privacy and amenity. It's absolutely dreadful. This should be refused on the impact on the residents of Flexford Close. We would be happy to engage with the developer for any amendments.”
Flexford Close resident Michael Cormacey said: “On behalf of the residents of Flexford Close, we strongly object to this. The boundary will do little to minimise the impact. The site has not been properly consulted on in our view.
“We have the full support of the parish council in our objections. The residents feel disappointed by the lack of support from Test Valley's planning department.”
James Parkhurst spoke on behalf of the developer. He said: “Since the refusal, we have addressed the concerns addressed by the committee. The feedback has been positive.
“This will substantially contribute to an acute national shortage in this type of accommodation.”
Cllr Celia Dowden said: “This is very similar to the last one. It doesn't feel right. Changes have been made, but the people who live next to it are unhappy about the situation. Despite the changes, I still think the impact is overbearing.”
Cllr Alan Dowden was undecided. He said: “It has been improved significantly, but not as much as I'd like. I'd like to refuse it, but I'm slightly afraid to as the applicants will go to appeal. I'm really torn on this one.”
The scheme was permitted with six votes for, two against and three abstentions.
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