We have received planning approval from Fareham Borough Council for 90 new homes in the town of Fareham, Hampshire. The scheme will be delivered in partnership with affordable housing specialist VIVID to provide much needed housing for local families, with 100% of the scheme comprising affordable homes.

Located on an area of undeveloped land to the east of Newgate Lane East, the site is bounded by existing residential development in Bridgemary, to the north is farmland, and to the south is a public right of way and existing recreation ground. The 4.1-hectare site will feature a varied collection of two-storey apartment buildings and two-storey detached, semi-detached houses and terraced houses.

Our MD, Mark White said: “We’re extremely pleased to have received the go ahead from Fareham Borough Council for what will be our first 100% affordable housing scheme in partnership with VIVID – the owner of Bargate Homes. There is an ever-increasing need for new affordable homes so we’re proud to be able to deliver 90 energy-efficient new homes to support the needs of families in the Fareham area.

“We pride ourselves on creating high quality developments that are built for the future. Sustainability and wellbeing are at the heart of this scheme with a carefully considered site layout to enhance open green spaces and to enable each home to have its own private external space. The homes have been designed to achieve high EPC ratings, with air source heat pumps installed alongside solar panels and the provision of EV charging points. We will work alongside VIVID on the preparations to commence work on site next year.

The development will include the provision of new footpaths to create circular walks for residents and a large area to the western part of the site for a Locally Equipped Area of Play (LEAP). Existing mature trees and hedges will stay in situ, with the provision of a significant number of new trees being planted to enhance the green area and support the achievement of a biodiversity net gain for the site. The architectural approach is traditionally designed elevations, taking inspiration from the mid-century developments within the immediate vicinity.

The site is sustainably located with good access to the existing pedestrian network within Bridgemary. Vehicle, pedestrian and cycle access to the development will be provided to the south via Brookers Lane. There are several regular bus services within easy reach of the site enabling travel to nearby Fareham town centre, Stubbington and Gosport. Fareham railway station is just over three miles away and accessible by bus, enabling further travel connections to Portsmouth and Southampton. There are also several schools and other amenities nearby, including shops and healthcare provision. 

We are pleased to have received the green light from New Forest District Council’s Planning Committee for 90 homes in the historic coastal village of Pennington, Hampshire. 50% of these homes are allocated for affordable housing, which will be delivered by VIVID – the owner of Bargate Homes.

Located off the A337 Milford Road, the 15.8-acre (6.4 ha) site will consist of a collection of the highest EPC-rated one- to four-bedroom homes, with 63% of the land being dedicated to preserved habitats and public open space. A new vehicular access from the A337 has been created specifically for the site and will be supported by pedestrian footpaths. The site lies close to the Solent coastline, bordering the New Forest National Park, and is southwest of the popular seaside town of Lymington.

The outline planning application proposed 110 dwellings but has now been reduced to 90, due to further site assessments establishing that a 90-home layout creates a more suitable mix of housing, while also meeting New Forest District Council’s design requirements.

Our MD, Mark White, said: “We are thrilled to receive approval for this Reserved Matters application, which will help to address local housing needs. Within the New Forest District, there is a distinct lack of affordable housing, so we are pleased to have the go-ahead to provide energy-efficient new homes for those who wish to remain in the area or move here and haven’t been able to do so. Furthermore, this development will also help to attract working aged people to Pennington to combat the current recruitment crisis.

“The development will have a clear focus on sustainability. These homes will be constructed to the highest EPC-rating and surrounded by green space consisting of new wildflower areas and tree planting, a network of paths for recreation and dog walking, and ecological enhancements to support existing biodiversity and provide biodiversity net gains. Our team will now progress with pre-construction preparations, and we look forward to being able to break ground in the coming months.”

The design and materials palette for the low density mixed-tenure development will complement the architectural topography of Pennington. Three distinct clusters of housing types will be delivered, with their own defining elements and details, including apartments, semi-detached and detached properties. From Bargate Homes’ study of the local area, the main materials used locally include red brick, render, stained timber cladding – complemented with arched brick headers – red roof tiles, glazing bars to windows, and chimneys to feature homes. The development layout has been carefully considered to ensure it is not car dominated, by offering a range of parking solutions throughout the site.

The development will consist of several open green spaces and Alternative Natural Recreational Greenspace, which can be used by the future residents, as well as the public. New wildflower and amenity grassland, footpaths, small play areas, scrub, hedgerow and tree planting will make up a significant element of the open space, which will function as the main activity space for outdoor play. Part of the main recreational area will be laid out with grass to enable different types of recreational use.

Pennington sits on the river terrace plateau between Avon Water to the west and Yaldhurst stream to the east. It benefits from local shops in the centre of the village – grouped around a town square – and a number of pubs and restaurants. The village is also home to Pennington Common, which has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The nearest town is Lymington, which is only one mile away. Lymington can also be accessed by frequent bus links.

Lymington train station has frequent services to regional towns and cities, as well as access to London Waterloo by changing at nearby Brockenhurst station. Car journeys to Southampton are via the A337, followed by the A35. Bournemouth can also be accessed via the A337 travelling west bound. For travel further afield, the M27 leads to the M3 and the wider national motorway network.