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ADD UPDATE, 18 April 2019: Ahead of the local elections on Thursday 2 May, Action against Destructive Development (ADD) has invited each candidate standing for Eastleigh Borough Council (EBC), and each candidate standing for Winchester City Council, to supply us with up to 350 words on their views on EBC’s draft Local Plan and its progress. The same invitation was extended to candidates in the parish/town council elections in our area.

As you will be aware, EBC voted to include ‘options B and C’ in its Local Plan, namely proposals for around 5,500 houses and a major new road north of Bishopstoke, Fair Oak and Allbrook and south of Colden Common, Owslebury and Upham, significantly affecting Boyatt Wood, Chandler’s Ford, Hiltingbury, Otterbourne, Brambridge, Highbridge, Twyford and Bishop’s Waltham. This draft Plan will be examined by an independent planning inspector later this year.

As part of our virtual hustings, Jan Warwick, Conservative candidate for Badger Farm and Oliver’s Battery on Winchester City Council, has sent us this message:

“Many thanks indeed for giving me this opportunity. I have been writing about my fears concerning EBC’s Local Plan to my residents in Otterbourne, Compton and Shawford since 2016. It is a truly terrible plan.

Of particular concern to me – not least because I am the Environment and Transport Portfolio Holder for Winchester City Council as well as the Hampshire County Councillor for the Winchester Downlands Division – is the soundness of the draft Transport Plan. The proposed new road in option B crosses my divide along Highbridge Road into the Winchester City Council District. There are real concerns around the phased delivery of the houses in relation to provision of this road, i.e., from a transport perspective this is an isolated site in a non-sustainable location. Significant investment would be needed upfront for highways and other sustainable transport before the homes are built out. Any delay in delivery or construction would have a severe traffic impact on the already busy surrounding road network and villages. In my area this includes the bordering villages of Otterbourne, Compton and Shawford.

For this reason, and many others, I believe Eastleigh’s Local Plan to be unsound and will oppose it all the way.”

Jan Warwick, Conservative candidate for Badger Farm and Oliver’s Battery on Winchester City Council

ADD UPDATE, 18 April 2019: Ahead of the local elections on Thursday 2 May, Action against Destructive Development (ADD) has invited each candidate standing for Eastleigh Borough Council (EBC), and each candidate standing for Winchester City Council, to supply us with up to 350 words on their views on EBC’s draft Local Plan and its progress. The same invitation was extended to candidates in the parish/town council elections in our area.

As you will be aware, EBC voted to include ‘options B and C’ in its Local Plan, namely proposals for around 5,500 houses and a major new road north of Bishopstoke, Fair Oak and Allbrook and south of Colden Common, Owslebury and Upham, significantly affecting Boyatt Wood, Chandler’s Ford, Hiltingbury, Otterbourne, Brambridge, Highbridge, Twyford and Bishop’s Waltham. This draft Plan will be examined by an independent planning inspector later this year.

As part of our virtual hustings, Steven Broomfield, Conservative candidate for Fair Oak and Horton Heath on Eastleigh Borough Council, has sent us this message:

“Since being elected last May, I have worked to help residents of Fair Oak and Horton Heath by improving things around the village: new waste bins, repairs to play areas, promoting shops and businesses through my Facebook page and generally being part of village life. I was asked by Lou Parker-Jones to serve as Deputy Chair on the Local Area Committee and I have worked well with Lou, Gin Tidridge and Ray Dean [all Independent councillors in Bishopstoke] in mitigating the effects of the Lib Dems’ cavalier attitude to over-development. As a trustee of the Twynam’s Charity I have also helped a small, local, housing association provide accommodation for families in need.

Supporting local residents who have been failed by Eastleigh’s planning policies has also been a priority. Staff cuts (despite assurances to the contrary by the Leader Keith House) have affected residents very negatively, and I have spoken with many who feel let down. In several cases I have involved our MP who is asking questions at a much higher level.

Looking ahead, we face huge challenges – not just the fall-out from Eastleigh’s flawed ‘Plan’ (and already EBC is blaming others, such as Winchester City Council, for problems the inspector is noting) – but also the expansion of the West Horton Plan. With Eastleigh effectively marking their own homework on this since developers pulled out, residents need someone to speak up for them and work with the Burnetts Lane Residents Association.

I have had only twelve months to start work (most importantly, plans to revamp Fair Oak village centre and make Fair Oak Road safer and more inviting to shoppers) and find my feet. If elected on 2 May I promise to continue helping residents, assisting ADD in their campaign and working with the Independents and fellow Conservatives to try and bring some sense into the future of our local area. Having lived in Fair Oak for 18 years and seen my daughters go through local schools and grow up here, I think I can say I want what other residents want – a future where traffic congestion, air quality, school spaces, GP services and lifestyle are balanced in favour of people rather than rapacious development.”

Steven Broomfield, Conservative candidate for Fair Oak and Horton Heath on Eastleigh Borough Council

ADD UPDATE, 18 April 2019: Ahead of the local elections on Thursday 2 May, Action against Destructive Development (ADD) has invited each candidate standing for Eastleigh Borough Council (EBC), and each candidate standing for Winchester City Council, to supply us with up to 350 words on their views on EBC’s draft Local Plan and its progress. The same invitation was extended to candidates in the parish/town council elections in our area.

As you will be aware, EBC voted to include ‘options B and C’ in its Local Plan, namely proposals for around 5,500 houses and a major new road north of Bishopstoke, Fair Oak and Allbrook and south of Colden Common, Owslebury and Upham, significantly affecting Boyatt Wood, Chandler’s Ford, Hiltingbury, Otterbourne, Brambridge, Highbridge, Twyford and Bishop’s Waltham. This draft Plan will be examined by a planning inspector later this year.

As part of our virtual hustings, Tony Bronk, Liberal Democrat candidate for Colden Common and Twyford on Winchester City Council, has sent us this message:

“I am opposed to the proposed Eastleigh Borough Council Local Plan.

Before I had even contemplated becoming a Liberal Democrat candidate for the Colden Common and Twyford ward I submitted a personal objection; which can be found on the EBC website under reference 827090277.

When I was interviewed as part of the Lib Dem Candidate selection process I made known my opposition to the Plan.

I remain opposed to the Plan and the vast majority of replies to my Safer Streets Survey confirm that Colden Common and Twyford residents are also concerned about and do not support the Plan.

Since being selected as the Colden Common and Twyford Lib Dem candidate I have met with Keith House [Lib Dem leader of Eastleigh Borough Council]. I conveyed my concerns and resident’s responses to my survey. In particular, those about the impact of the Plan on the countryside and its wildlife; and the inadequacy of the road  infrastructure. It cannot cope with existing levels of traffic. The proposed relief road may mitigate some of the impact but it needs to be built at an early stage of any permitted further development and Allbrook Bridge must be able to accommodate large vehicles. Both Colden Common and Twyford already suffer from too much traffic. It creates congestion, pollution and prolonged journeys at peak times. It increases safety risks from speeding traffic at accident blackspots like the Highbridge Road junction with Main Road. It also increases the risks on the narrow Twyford High Street.

If I am elected as City Councillor I shall continue to challenge the current Plan and mitigate its impact. I accept the need for more housing but I am not satisfied that the EBC meets that need in an appropriate manner. If it is approved by the inspector much must be done to mitigate its impact to protect the local environment and it’s residents. I intend to work hard to do so.”

Tony Bronk, Liberal Democrat candidate for Colden Common and Twyford on Winchester City Council

ADD UPDATE, 18 April 2019: Ahead of the local elections on 2 May, Action against Destructive Development (ADD) is inviting each candidate standing for Eastleigh Borough Council (EBC), and each candidate standing for Winchester City Council, to supply us with up to 350 words on their views on EBC’s draft Local Plan and its progress. The same invitation is extended to candidates in the parish/town council elections in our area.

The ADD campaign has always been, and remains, politically neutral, working with anyone who shares the view that EBC’s draft Local Plan would be destructive if implemented. As in previous elections, we are therefore not endorsing any candidate. Instead, we hope to provide the electorate with a means by which they can compare candidates’ statements – a kind of virtual hustings.

We will publish each statement received, unedited, on our website, Facebook page and Twitter feed. We are happy to include a photograph (if the candidate wishes to supply one) and candidates’ contact details.

We have received support from many local politicians across the political spectrum, as well as from independent bodies concerned by EBC’s draft Local Plan. By providing this virtual hustings, we aim to enable the electorate to decide which candidate will best represent their views on this critical local issue.

If candidates would like to accept this invitation, we ask them to please email their statement to [email protected].

To view who is standing in your area in EBC elections, click here.

To view who is standing in your area in WCC elections, click here.

Thank you.

ADD UPDATE, 5 April 2019: Many thanks to a sharp-eyed ADD supporter for drawing attention to an important letter from the planning inspector appointed to consider Eastleigh’s Local Plan, which he found buried on the council’s website. The letter, sent by Christa Masters to Eastleigh Borough Council (EBC) on 20 March, highlights a long list of gaps in the evidence supporting the Local Plan.

Her comments resonate with the views of opponents of the Plan who have long argued that EBC’s decision to adopt it was taken without the necessary evidence. The inspector’s letter to EBC identifies five broad areas where the council needs to do more work:

1) Duty to Co-operate with neighbouring authorities. In particular, it mentions the need to develop common ground with Winchester City Council (which has found the Plan ‘unsound’) on the question of the proposed link road.

2) Environmental impact. The letter asks how EBC proposes to address concerns expressed by the Environment Agency relating to the effect on the River Itchen, including impacts of “a strategic nature, noise and vibration, hydrological impacts, otter dispersal corridors, non-native species, water abstraction and water pollution”.

3) Highways. The letter identifies six pieces of essential work still to be carried out and says that, depending on their outcome, there may have to be modifications to the Plan.

4) Viability work and the Strategic Growth Option. The inspector says that further work may be required on the viability of the proposed options. For example, she says: “The evidence notes that in the context of ecology/habitats and buffers this is an area ‘under consideration, with no information available to inform any particular assumptions at this stage’.”

5) Other matters. The letter points out that EBC failed to publish all the necessary notices at sites allocated under the Plan, as it is required to do.

She concludes: “Until the evidence base is complete I am unable to progress the Plan. As a result I am unable to develop my main matters and issues for examination and fully plan the hearing sessions.”

Click here to read the inspector’s letter to EBC in full.

Eastleigh Borough Council’s response, 29 March 2019

In its reply to the inspector on 29 March, EBC promises to address all the inspector’s points by June – 18 months after the council meeting that first adopted the Plan.

The several hundred people who attended that council meeting on 11 December 2017 may recall EBC leader Keith House assuring us they already had 98-99% of the necessary evidence. The remaining 1-2% is taking an awful long time.

Click here to read EBC’s response to the inspector.

Planning inspector’s reply, 2 April 2019

In an email response to EBC on 2 April, the inspector notes that the council is still “yet to identify an anticipated completion  date for is the SGO background paper” and reiterates she will not be able proceed with the examination until all the evidence is available.

Click here to read the inspector’s reply.

Further delays

In light of the inspector’s comments and the timescale set out by EBC, it looks increasingly likely that the inspector’s examination will be delayed at least until September. Meanwhile, the ADD team continues its painstaking preparation for the examination, when it finally comes.

BBC, 28 March 2019: A group of celebrities have come together in a campaign based on Wind in the Willows to encourage people to save the UK’s wildlife. A special film trailer for The Wind in the Willows story has been released by The Wildlife Trusts starring Sir David Attenborough, Stephen Fry, Catherine Tate, Alison Steadman and Asim Chaudhry – but it’s not the story as you know it. The animation shows characters from the much-loved children’s book, like Toad, Badger and Moly, falling into hardship as diggers knock down ancient trees, new roads are constructed and glorious rivers polluted. Think of Eastleigh’s DISASTROUS Local Plan when you watch. It’s not too late to DEFEAT this Plan… It’s not too late to SAVE OUR WILDLIFE.

ADD UPDATE, 1 MARCH 2019: Regular visitors of our website will be aware that Chris Packham grew up in our part of Hampshire, and is one of ADD’s strongest supporters. You may also be aware that Packham recently launched the Wild Justice action group with the aim of prosecuting local authorities that cause unnecessary damage to wildlife. Eastleigh Borough Council (EBC) had better watch out because he has already described their Local Plan, which will be scrutinised by an appointed planning inspector in the next few months, as “eco-vandalism”.

Yet his relationship with EBC used to be such a happy one. Back in 2002 he wrote a foreword to the council’s publication “Wild about Eastleigh”, in which he congratulated EBC on taking “the important step of banding together organisations and individuals who are dedicated to conserving our local wildlife”.

Describing Eastleigh as an oasis, he wrote: “Some of Britain’s best, brightest, biggest and most exciting species live their lives just around your corner.” It was up to us all, he said, to ensure that they continued to do so.

Wind the clock forward to March 2017, and Packham is still ‘wild about Eastleigh’, but in a totally different way. He is incensed after learning that EBC has shredded its original conservation document and, through its Local Plan, opted to wreck by far the most environmentally rich and diverse part of the borough, namely the land north of Stoke Park Wood (now known as Option B). In 2002, EBC – under the same leadership as today – described this land as a Priority Diversity Area and now earmarks it for over 1,000 houses. 

“It is desperately important that people get behind the campaign to prevent this piece of eco-vandalism,” Packham said. “The council is guilty of shabby politics. The plans are bad for wildlife and bad for humans. Of course, we need houses, but there are better places in the borough to build them. Green space is an essential component to a happy and healthy life. It’s there to exercise, walk the dog, engage with nature, reduce stress and benefit mental health. This is short-sighted short-termism motivated by ill-informed, ill-educated people who care little for their children’s and grandchildren’s futures.

“The threatened stretch of the River Itchen is of national importance and incredibly rich in rare freshwater life, which councils should be doing all they can to protect. Stoke Park Woods are where I learnt about wildlife as a kid, where I discovered my first kestrel nest. They are a huge asset and would never recover if the plans went ahead. The national park would also suffer from a dramatic increase in traffic and pollution.”

So, will Packham’s Wild Justice end up taking Eastleigh’s council to court? Well, ADD has other ideas – not that we expect any gratitude from the council’s leadership. ADD’s mission is to prevent Eastleigh’s Local Plan as currently drafted from going ahead in the first place, so avoiding the destruction of wildlife, ruination of villages and traffic chaos it would entail.

This would then free up Wild Justice to confront other councils that pay scant attention to the natural heritage in their areas. There would still be plenty to choose from but none, we suspect, as potentially devastating to wildlife as EBC’s Local Plan.

To view the document EBC has shredded, click here for part one; and here for part two (see pp52-54).

For more details of ADD’s current activities, click here.

To make a vital donation to the ADD campaign, click here.

ADD UPDATE, 15 February 2019: A MESSAGE TO ADD’S SUPPORTERS… together we shall win!

You may have noticed that we have been rather quiet since the end of 2018, but please be assured that ADD is working as hard as ever to defend Eastleigh, its environment and that of neighbouring parishes from the Eastleigh Borough Council (EBC)’s dreadful Local Plan. Most of our efforts have been behind the scenes as we prepare for the Planning Inspector’s examination of the draft Plan, which will determine whether or not we are successful. This will probably take place in the spring or early summer, though the recent decision by the government to appoint a new inspector may delay matters.

We have been very heartened by the continuing messages of support coming in, both from individuals and organisations. It is little exaggeration to say that the leadership of EBC – and the developers and landowners who stand to make huge profits – are entirely isolated in terms of support. We are increasingly confident that we can win because the Plan is demonstrably wrong in principle and probably undeliverable in practice.

That is perhaps why EBC has produced a raft of new evidence – much of it flawed – even after the official deadline for doing so, giving the impression that they are making it up as they go along. Part of our job is to consider these late submissions. We also anticipate that the questions the previous inspector has asked the council will be published soon. We will then have the opportunity to comment on EBC’s responses to those questions.

‘Thank you’ to our generous supporters

We have had a very generous response from local residents to our pleas for more funds. First, a good result from our leaflet drop last November and then a magnificent effort by the village of Upham, which held an auction of promises in January. Our heartfelt thanks to those who have helped us in this way.
Please keep the money coming in if you can afford to do so. The council is spending millions on the inquiry, far more than ADD could ever hope to raise. We have one advantage that it will never have: we are in the right, and we have the evidence to prove it. However, although our volunteers are putting in countless hours of unpaid work, we must also employ a range of specialist consultants as well as lawyers to make our case as effectively as possible.

Why we have to win

Tellingly, the number of new homes that Eastleigh actually needs keeps coming down. There are different ways to work it out but, even on the figures provided by EBC, they are planning nearly 2,000 more than necessary. Recent revisions by the Office for National Statistics of population and household projections suggest the borough does not even need to deliver Options B or C at all! To the extent that Eastleigh does need them, they are homes for the elderly, social housing and starter homes rather than the executive dwellings that the developers want to build.

The only rationale for the current version of the Plan, it seems to us, is that EBC is one of the most indebted local authorities in Britain (net borrowings are anticipated to hit a staggering £455 million by the end of this financial year); it needs the money the extra housing will bring. Understandable perhaps, but no justification for such widespread destruction to the environment, including serious damage to seven areas of ancient woodland and the River Itchen and an unnecessary increase in carbon dioxide levels. Nor the misery of even more traffic chaos and the devastating impact the Plan would have on villages like Bishopstoke, Fair Oak, Allbrook, Owslebury, Upham, Twyford, Otterbourne and Colden Common.

Watch this space…

As the inquiry approaches we will update our supporters – and we will need your continued backing. Thank you again… together we shall win.

TO DONATE TO THE CAMPAIGN, CLICK HERE.

Hampshire Chronicle, 22 November 2018: The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) Hampshire has received a wave of support ahead of the decision on whether to support the adoption of a South Hampshire green belt to protect the remaining green spaces between Eastleigh, Southampton, Fareham and Portsmouth. [TO ADD YOUR NAME TO THE CRUCIAL PETITION, CLICK HERE.]

The Partnership for Urban South Hampshire (PUSH) will decide on adopting a South Hampshire Green Belt on December 4.

Charlee Bennett, chief executive of the CPRE said: “We know local authorities are up against it. Government housing targets are increasing and the pressure to deliver is huge. This is why we are delighted that the PUSH leaders have been supportive so far.

“We know that at the meeting on the fourth the committee will be looking into the development of a Statement of Common Ground across South Hampshire Planning Authorities, we would like to see plans for a new green belt within this.

“We all need these green spaces, be it for the morning run, dog walking, escape from the pressures of city living or just for the children and grandchildren to play, they are so important for our mental and physical health and well-being.

“We can still meet our housing needs and maintain our quality of life. A new green belt would help us achieve a beautiful and thriving South Hampshire.”

CPRE Hampshire is calling on the public to show their support and make their voice heard by adding their to the 13,000 who have already signed the petition, calling on council leaders to protect the green spaces they love.

Councillor Sean Woodward, a long-time supporter of the Green Belt, will be joined by his fellow elected leaders from south Hampshire to receive the outcomes from a report exploring the “justification for considering a green belt”.

The petition will be handed to Cllr Woodward ahead of the meeting.

To view this article by Emily Liddell on the Hampshire Chronicle’s website, click here.

ADD UPDATE, 14 November 2018: As some of our supporters are aware, Rob Byrne, a local resident, has been been planning a guided walk in Otterbourne Woods with a fungus expert on 24 November. We have been asked to let people know that sadly this event has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Given the success of a similar ‘bat walk’ in September, we hope other such events will be arranged in the future.