PLANS to build more than 60 homes on a greenfield site in a Hampshire town have been given the go-ahead. Metis Homes has received planning permission to redevelop land at Burgate Acres, Fordingbridge, despite concerns about the scheme s potential impact on Grade II-listed buildings. A report to members of New Forest District Council confirmed that the homes would dramatically alter the area s appearance. Cllr Maureen Holding voiced similar views when the application was debated at a meeting of the authority s planning committee. She said: I do think, from a conservation point of view, we have ruined the setting of those wonderful thatched buildings.
The latest application sparked 50 letters of support and only 11 from people objecting to the scheme. Aldi supporters said Caird Avenue was an excellent site for the store. They added that extra competition could cut the cost of a weekly shop and also claimed that vibrant high streets were a thing of the past . Planning officers continued to argue that the supermarket should be built in the town centre but members approved the scheme. The application was passed by 14 votes to 0, with one abstention. A report to councillors acknowledged that previous reasons for refusal, including concerns about the quality of the landscaping, had been overcome.