Bishop’s Waltham plans for nearly 200 new homes set for approval

Plans are set to be approved today to build nearly 200 homes across two Bishop’s Waltham developments.The proposals, both of which are due to the debated by Winchester City Council’s planning committee this morning, would see 66 homes on land east of Tangier Lane, while 125 would be built on Albany Farm, around half a mile away.The developments have received nearly 50 letters of objection between them, with Bishop’s Waltham Parish Council also objecting to the Albany Farm plans, but supporting the Tangier Lane scheme.Councillors complained that the 125-home site would be “too urban” and said the planning application should be withdrawn to allow a public consultation to take place.Other residents who objected said that the scheme would result in increased traffic and parking congestion, would represent an overdevelopment and raised concerns over the cumulative impact with other projects.If approved, the development would consist of 50 affordable homes – made up of 12 three-bedroom and 26 two bedroom houses, and six two-bedroom and six one-bedroom apartments – as well as 30 four-bedroom, 39 three-bedroom and six two-bedroom private houses.Among those to comment on the plans was the Winchester-Eastleigh Design Review Panel, which said the scheme appeared vehicle dominated.Meanwhile, the Tangier Lane development, which has seen concerns raised over a lack of local health facilities able to support the increase, would have 26 affordable homes – eight three-bedroom and 12 two-bedroom homes, and six one and two-bedroom apartments – as well as 30 four-bedroom, eight three-bedroom and two two-bedroom private houses.Both applications have been recommended for approval.