A DEVELOPER is set to begin works to create a new access from a public highway as part of a plan to build 82 new houses in Overton.

Bewley Homes will begin the Section 278 works for B3400 from May 15 after it got technical approval from the Hampshire Highways, it has been revealed.

The developer said it got the Section 278 technical approval in March.

The access road works are expected to last until September 1, 2023.

Currently, the developer is undertaking minor tree work clearance in preparation for the main works.

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Bewley Homes and Romanina Real Estate won an appeal against Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council in November 2021 to build the 82-home development for the land off Two Gate Lane.

Although the council rejected the plan saying the site’s proposed junction with the B3400 is unsafe, a planning inspector found that the access is safe.

Soon after this, the developer kick-started the project by using a residential road – Two Gate Lane – for construction access.

Although residents of Two Gate Meadow, Two Gate Lane and The Green were frustrated by this, there was no restriction imposed by the planning inspector that could prevent the use of the residential road as access for the construction of the site.

A spokesperson for Bewley Homes said: “Bewley Homes has full Section 278 Technical Approval and a fully engrossed Section 278 agreement for the main access to our Overton Project via the B3400 since March 2023. All works are being programmed with Hampshire County Council Highways department and a road space is now booked for 15th May 2023 until 1st September 2023 for Section 278 works to commence. Currently, minor tree works clearance is underway in preparation of the above dates.

“We are also in possession of a separate permission from HCC Highways for a Temporary Construction access via Section 184 agreement off Two Gate Lane to facilitate construction traffic which has been granted since approx. Autumn 2022.”

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A Basingstoke and Deane borough council spokesperson said: “The planning inspector allowed the Two Gate Lane site at appeal, and did not impose any restrictions that could prevent the use of the existing access for the construction of the site.

 “It is not unusual for construction activity to have to access a development site from a residential area and this can occur provided that it is done so safely under the Highways Act.”

A spokesperson for Hampshire County Council said: “We can confirm that the developer has the required permission to create a new access off the B3400.  The developer also has a licence for temporary construction access only to the site from Two Gate Lane.”