Bewley Homes submits plans to build up to 245 homes on land off Skates Lane, south of Tadley

Plans to build up to 245 homes on land south of Tadley have been submitted despite public and council pushback.

Bewley Homes has submitted an official planning application to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to build a large residential development which includes a convenience store on land off Skates Lane near the A340.

The Baughurst-based housing developer first mooted the plans last June, but Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council removed the proposed development site from its Draft Local Plan in December, leading many to think that the plans were dead in the water.

Bewley has gone ahead and submitted its plans despite this, believing the Skates Lane site is a “suitable location” to build new homes for the borough.

Bewley’s head of strategic land Andy Morris said: “We cannot understand or agree with the council’s decision to remove the scheme from the latest consultation version of the plan, without consideration of the overriding needs for homes in the second largest settlement in the borough.

“One of the greatest challenges for Tadley is the need to secure a housing allocation which is not subject to constraints, including the protection zone around AWE, and we believe we have demonstrated that fully.

“We believe planning approval on this site would be good news in the light of the urgent need for housing, especially affordable housing including social rented homes.

“We believe it’s unwise to overlook Tadley as a suitable location for a housing allocation and it is unfair to many local businesses who rely on a local workforce who can access decent accommodation.”

According to Bewley, Basingstoke and Deane is currently suffering a housing crisis, with more than 5,000 families currently on the housing waiting list.

The developer believes that the Skates Lane development would help the borough towards meeting its housing needs, especially as it would deliver over 100 affordable homes as part of the scheme.

Several local residents have already spoken up against the plans, with criticism mainly focused at the potential loss of countryside land, the strain an influx of new people could put on local services and traffic problems that could arise on the A340.

Tadley & Pamber Rural Protection (TPRP) formed in opposition to the Skates Lane plans when Bewley first announced them last summer.

TPRP co-chair Kevin Chatburn posted a military-like call to arms on Facebook, willing the people of Tadley to voice their concerns about the plans.

He stated: “We, TPRP, with the enormous support from the Lib Dems in Tadley and Pamber have won a number of battles to stop Skates Lane development.

“But, Bewley the rapacious property developer continue the fight. So we will continue until the war is won.

“Here is their outline planning application. Take a look and watch this space to win this war.”

The planning application, which is due to be decided by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council by June 6, has already garnered more than 30 objection letters.

In her letter, Baughurst resident Steph Bunce said: “This is a truly ridiculous proposal. Tadley does not have the capacity to cope with another 245 households.

“The doctors’ surgeries are overwhelmed as it is, traffic is horrendous on the A340 and especially at this point as it can be impossible to get across the road if you need to.”

Tadley resident Gary Cullimore said: “Awful decision to try and build on such a lovely part of the country with varied wildlife.

“The domestic animals will decimate the small mammals and birds.”

Another Tadley resident, Laura Routh-Parsons, stated: “I strongly object to this proposal.

“The local area of Tadley does not have adequate infrastructure for the existing population, so an increase of this size would be of great concern and detriment to the community.

“The doctors’ surgeries are already under great strain, with many having to go directly to A&E to receive care, which of course has a huge knock on effect, or go as far as Hook to see a doctor.”

The Skates Lane planning application can be viewed on the Basingstoke and Deane planning portal by searching reference 24/00349/OUT.

Find out about planning applications that affect you at the Public Notice Portal.