News & inspiration
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.
