Like many people I am bitterly disappointed with the independent Planning Inspectorate’s decision on Persimmon Homes application, for a number of reasons.
Residents will be aware that I have consistently opposed a number of previous developments which threaten the strategic gap between Gosport and Fareham and our limited green spaces. I’ve made objections to Fareham Borough Council, the Planning Inspectorate and even persuaded the Secretary of State for Housing to ‘call in’ planning applications. We have had remarkable success via these routes, until now. Unfortunately, on this occasion all efforts have been in vain.
More generally, I have consistently raised concerns throughout both the Consultation process for Fareham Borough Council’s Local Plan, via letter and also in direct conversations with the Leader of the Council.
On the wider issue of housing numbers, I’ve frequently raised local concerns with the Minister, including in the House of Commons chamber. I’ve even arranged for Gosport Councillors and Council Officials to meet with the Housing Minister and Government Officials to outline our concerns on more than one occasion.
Gosport Borough Council are also facing unrealistic housing numbers and I have had extensive conversations, letters and meetings with the Housing Minister to try and work through potential mitigations which might reduce our quota, including our peninsular location and building density.
Please rest assured that I have and will continue to represent the concerns of both constituents and the Council and will continue to fight to protect our area from unwanted developments.
