HHRA Update 1 April 2026

Old Street appeal 2026.docx

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Old Street appeal by Bargate Homes

Attached are the comments we have sent to the national Planning Inspectorate on Bargate’s appeal against FBC’s refusal of planning consent for up to 62 houses on the fields west of Old Street.  As I have advised in previous Updates, we are not expected to repeat what has already been said on the application, so I tried to achieve a compromise by referring briefly to our earlier comments and adding new information on two areas – ecology & habitat and water management.  I would have liked to add more – eg re road safety – but I had no new evidence (though many thanks to the person who has sent the picture of passing vehicles).

You will see I have referred to FBC’s Statement of Case and the Landscape evidence from Ian Dudley, both of which were posted on late on Thursday and are excellent.  They do, frankly, say most of what we would wish to convey to the Inspector and can be viewed by going onto the FBC planning website, P/24/1553/OA, scroll down and click on Appeal and then click on documents.  You will also see there a further letter from HCC Highways who continue to reject any idea that there is a problem about road safety etc.

Our comments are not yet on the website, but I had immediate confirmation that they had been received last Friday (I had been waiting to see the FBC Statement of Case and Landscape evidence before finalising ours, hence leaving it to the last minute).

A reminder that the appeal will be heard at the civic offices on 9 and 10 June.

Osborne View

I have just returned from our regular meeting with the project management and construction teams for the Osborne View.  You will have doubtless seen the new arrival on site, namely the Raptor 48 crane.  It has already lifted a digger from first floor level to the road.  It can be operated remotely or by climbing to the ‘cabin’: site manager Damian advises that it works better if operated from the cabin, so he and other colleagues are going to get very fit!

Hill Head Road is now open but regrettably another lengthy spell of closure will be required of at least two to three months from 5 May. This is the result of the health and safety requirements which have been set for the period during which the steel girders for the frame are delivered and lifted onto site and scaffolding is erected on the road side to enable bricklaying to be carried out.  One more beam will also be installed at street level during this period to contribute to the stability of the site.

Breezes will be bravely remaining open throughout! 

The timescale for completion is under constant review and we will keep you posted.

Potholes and similar matters

I passed to Councillor Pal Hayre an inquiry from one of our members about work needed on potholes in Solent Road, Bells Lane and Cliff Road and received the following response from her:

As the weather has improved, Hampshire Highways have been able to progress with their scheduled works, and many of the potholes previously reported are now being repaired. I have also requested information on any planned maintenance for the roads in our area, so we have clearer visibility of upcoming works.     I am aware that Solent Road and Carisbrooke still have dips and potholes which have been reported but not yet addressed. I will be following these up to ensure they are prioritised.

I will keep you updated with any progress or information I receive.

Next members’ meeting

A reminder that our next meeting is on Monday 6 July, starting at the earlier time of 7pm, when we shall hear from Hampshire County Council and contractor VolkerFitzpatrick about the project to construct new access to the M27 at junction 10 as part of the Welborne development.