ADD UPDATE, 8 November 2026: Regrettably it’s a case of ‘here we go again’. Another totally unacceptable planning application requiring a strong reaction before it’s too late. We ask you to respond to a proposal from a company called English Oak to develop open countryside along Mortimers Lane, Fair Oak. Public opinion really matters and your support in the past has made a big difference.
Just over a year ago we reported on their scheme, floated with derisory public consultation, to build a ‘dementia village’ plus housing. It was our view that, while Eastleigh may need more homes and care facilities, this was the wrong place to locate them. This month (November) the firm submitted a formal planning application to Eastleigh Borough Council. As well as the dementia ‘village’, they want to build up to 35 homes and a wellness centre. The public has until 23 November to respond.
English Oak’s timing appears to be an attempt to avoid scrutiny under the emerging Eastleigh Local Plan which, once approved, will provide a framework for future development in the borough. The proposed scheme is in so-called Option A – one of four big potential areas for development under consideration by the council. In ADD’s view it’s the worst of them all. It’s almost identical to the old Option C of the previous Local Plan, which was roundly rejected by the government planning inspector.
Option A would just mean more urban sprawl. It would add disproportionately to the already appallingly overcrowded roads in Fair Oak where bus services are quite inadequate, and it would put further pressure on the South Downs National Park. It would ruin some precious and ecologically rich countryside, and likely cause flooding to the nearby St Francis animal welfare centre. (For a more detailed rundown of our objections see this link for what we wrote in October 2025.)
We therefore hope you will once again let your feelings be known. Emails should go to [email protected] by 23 November.
More details of the application can be found at https://planning.eastleigh.gov.uk/s/papplication/a1MTv000006NkUw
Many thanks as always for your support.
Eastleigh ADD Team
About ADD: Action against Destructive Development recognises the need for new housing, and seeks to ensure that it is carried out in a well planned way that protects the local environment and quality of life. The right homes in the right places.
