Plan to double number of homes at green site
A DEVELOPER given permission to build 55 homes is looking to more than double the amount of homes on the site.
Reside Developments was granted planning permission for 55 homes on a site between Funtley Road and the M27 in Funtley but the firm has unveiled new plans to put 125 homes on the site, including six custom build houses and affordable housing, and will be hosting consultation to get views from the public.
Project director Andrew Munton said: ‘There is a pressing need in the borough of Fareham for high-quality housing on sites that are deemed adequate for development, which includes our site.
‘With careful design we can sensitively increase the number of homes to up to 125, with 50 of those classed as affordable, helping a mix of local residents find a suitable home.
The scheme also includes six self-build/custom-build plots, for those looking for a more bespoke home opportunity.’
The original application for 55 homes attracted criticism from residents including lack of parking, loss of wildlife and concerns over drainage and flooding.
Mr Munton added: ‘Our site is deliverable for housing now, and at present it is underused.
‘We are proposing to optimise the site’s housing capacity mainly in the consented built-up areas, making a significant contribution towards local housing needs, whilst maintaining already consented benefits such as the community park and shop/community space.’
In November 2018, the council gave consent to an outline application, with an agreement for the developer to fund upgrades to open a permissive path from Funtley Road to Thames Drive, opening up a footbridge spanning the M27.
The installation of the bridge happened at the beginning of this month and saw the motorway closed between junctions 11 (at Fareham) and junction 9 (at Whiteley) from 9pm on Friday, September 4 until 6am on Monday, September 7.
The plans, which also include a shop, other community buildings and contributions towards the use of sustainable travel, including the purchase of bicycles, will be presented at an online consultation event on Thursday, September 24 between 10 and 11.30am via Zoom.
Visit askfuntley.co.uk to register for the event or call the project’s Freephone number on 0800 2545 185.
A response card will also be delivered house-to-house in Funtley and Fareham North.