Skates Lane: Tadley residents form group to oppose plan

Tadley and Pamber Rural Protection (TPRP) has been formed as a community action and campaign group comprised of residents from Tadley, Pamber, and the surrounding areas.

The group has expressed deep reservations after it was revealed that Bewley Homes was seeking an allocation for land in the draft local plan and preparing an outline planning application for 260 homes that would include 40 per cent affordable housing.

The proposed site is located to the south of Tadley on the border with Pamber Green.

READ MORE: Bewley Homes plans to build 260 new homes in Tadley

In a statement sent by Rob Waugh-Bacchus and Kevin Chatburn, the two co-chairs of the action group, TPRP said it was with 'utter dismay' that it sees that the potential housing development site is still on the Strategic Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (SHELAA) and, via the spatial strategy work, is now proposed to be on the draft local plan.

Mr Waugh-Bacchus and Mr Chatburn have raised concerns about delays in the creation of a draft local plan, lack of public consultation in the formation of the spatial strategy, absence of a Tadley Neighbourhood Plan and uncertainty regarding the parish border between Pamber and Tadley in relation to the proposed site's location.

The Skates Farm in the 1920s. (Image: Contributed)

Mr Chatburn said: “Regarding all of this, I am reminded of a textbook example of ‘policy-based evidence, as opposed to evidence-based policy’.

“It is well proven that the Port Way and potentially other Roman developments are underneath this site and nearby. Without the fullest of geo penetrating surveys, it cannot be known how to mitigate damage to these heritage assets, of national significance, by this development. Some of them may be as little as 10cm below some surfaces.

“The damage is equally likely to occur during the construction phase as later in the built form. How does any construction traffic enter the site without going over the Roman Port Way? Recent work in Skates Farmyard put the Port Way at risk as well as two Grade 2 listed buildings.”

The group also highlighted the importance of the land in conserving and enhancing biodiversity, particularly due to its proximity to Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs), Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), Grade 2 listed buildings, and conservation areas.

The group demanded a comprehensive ecological assessment before any development could be considered viable.

Matt Roberts, senior land manager at Bewley Homes, said: “The Skates Lane site has been identified by the Basingstoke and Deane Officers in its emerging local plan. We are engaging with planning officers to ensure we meet all their requirements and are working on our scheme to be fully planning policy compliant.

“Our design-led scheme is taking into consideration the heritage assets below and above ground, on-site, and we are pleased with how these are shaping up. We have been working through the recommendations coming from the public consultation, as such we have included a 10m buffer along the old Roman Road, on our site, as well as minimum of 20m corridors for any existing woodlands. Our plan is to make some considerable enhancements to the biodiversity including new habitats, additional planting, and trees.

“There are some major positives for our scheme from a wildlife, ecology and biodiversity net gain perspective and we will be looking to go beyond what is required in relation to natural open space and the creation of new habitat as required by national policy. 

“The development would also open up private farmland for use by all Tadley residents and supply homes catering to the needs of first-time buyers and young families. There will also be a large number of affordable homes – approximately 100 – with around 28 of those first-time homes designed for younger people. There will also be a range of three- and four-bedroom family homes. The scheme would also provide significant areas of open space and natural play, along with new walking and cycling routes.

“The development would provide new connections to the existing footpath network and bring forward wider infrastructure improvements.

“Our scheme for Skates Lane will help Basingstoke and Deane meet its housing shortfall, as well as provide much-needed affordable, quality housing for local people who want to stay in the area.

“We are a local, award-winning housebuilder who has been building in the Basingstoke region for over 30 years. Our reputation is vitally important and as our headquarters are based in Tadley, this would be a flagship development and a lasting legacy for the company and local people.”

SEE ALSO: Sherfield School sold to Education in Motion by Bellevue

A Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council spokesperson said: "There is no live planning application with the council for homes at Skates Lane but the council’s planning team is considering a request for a screening opinion to determine if an Environmental Impact Assessment is required for the site.

"Councillors on the Economic, Planning and Housing Committee discussed the Local Plan next steps on Thursday evening and a further meeting to discuss the spatial strategy for where homes could be built is scheduled for 28 September.

"Following a site assessment process, Skates Lane was included as a potential site for allocation in the Local Plan Update through relevant reports to the Economic, Planning and Housing Committee. At this stage no decision has been made on whether the site will be included in the final Local Plan Update.

"Meetings with parish and town councils across the borough to listen to their views are due to take place later this year.  A borough-wide consultation will get underway in January 2024 to give residents, businesses, organisations, landowners, developers and interested groups the opportunity to have their say on the draft Local Plan."