A PLAN to build 115 new homes in Whitchurch has been thrown out after the developer failed to comply with the planning process.
As previously reported, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council (BDBC) received a request from Bidwells on behalf of Genko Holdings in July last year for a screening opinion for the proposed development on land east of Bere Hill in Whitchurch.
On July 27, a planning application was submitted for the erection of 115 houses, along with a public house.
The plan also proposed associated parking spaces, employment units, public open spaces and local play areas.
READ MORE: Whitchurch Bere Hill: Genko submits plan to build 115 homes
The application was submitted without an environmental statement. On August 18, the council issued a screening opinion pursuant to the EIA (Environment Impact Assessment) Regulations. This concluded that the proposed development was 'EIA development', which means that the effects of a project or development proposal on the environment needed to be investigated.
However, the proposal has now been thrown out because the developer did not comply with the planning process by submitted an EIA within three weeks of the screening opinion being notified.
The council said in a decision notices issued on May 30: "As neither of the conditions were met within three weeks... the application is deemed refused, as of September 8, 2023."
The council added that such a decision must not give rise to right of appeal.
The site's location, known as 'Bere Hill,' is currently a pastoral grassland that houses The Oak Tree nursery and Whitchurch Scout Hut.
The site is situated outside the Whitchurch settlement boundary and directly adjoins the town.
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Genko Ltd said in its application that it had actively engaged with key stakeholders and the community.
The company said it conducted a public consultation event at Whitchurch Parish Hall in November 2022, which was attended by more than 300 attendees.
A campaign was launched in April 2021 by Lucie Follett-Maitland of Whitchurch Conservation Group (WCG) to halt construction in areas located north of Whitchurch railway station, by Bere Mill and on The Gables adjacent to the Mill trail.
To view the decision notice and details of the proposal, search with reference number 23/01876/FUL on BDBC's planning portal.
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