Plans in for Portchester residential scheme

Private equity-backed housebuilder Miller Homes has submitted plans seeking permission to develop a 350-dwelling scheme in Portchester.Land to the east of Down End Road in Portchester has been earmarked for the development, which also includes new vehicular access with footways and cycleways, green space, local amenity areas, drainage and utilities.The site, which is approximately 1.2km north west of the centre of Portchester and 3.2km to the east of Fareham, is currently in arable use and is bounded by the Southampton to Portsmouth railway line, beyond which lies the residential area of Winnham and The Thicket.The M27 borders the north of the development land.A green corridor with views towards the Solent is incorporated within the proposal with the aim of creating a tranquil space which will also include a children’s play area.Consultation with the public and local stakeholders was said to have been influential in shaping the “clear and robust” development principles at the heart of the new neighbourhood.According to planning documentation, feedback to the proposal was mixed.While some residents welcomed the provision of family housing, others raised concerns about potential traffic impacts, specifically the potential use of The Thicket as a cut through to the A27, and potential increased congestion along Downend Road.The provision of adequate local infrastructure, particularly local schools and GP surgeries, was also raised as a concern.Up to 40 per cent of the development would be given over to affordable housing and the chance for younger people to move onto and up the housing ladder was said to be supported by some residents.Planning and design company Terrence O’Rourke is working on the scheme.Last year, Miller Homes, one of the largest housebuilders in the UK, was acquired by private equity group Bridgepoint in a deal totalling £655m.