Plans for 220 homes in Kingsclere

Plans are afoot to build 220 new homes in Kingsclere.

Housebuilder Vistry Group is targeting land adjoining Porch Farm – a site to the west of Kingsclere opposite the Shell garage and long considered to be a potential site for residential development.

Former borough council leader Ken Rhatigan (Con, Tadley North, Kingsclere and Baughurst) said in a Kingsclere Parish Council meeting in December he was in favour of the site as it was away from the village centre.

Vistry Group has been in discussions with the borough council’s planning team and has now submitted a request to the borough council for a screening opinion, which will determine whether a planning application for housing needs an environmental impact assessment.

The developer then plans to submit an outline planning application for the homes in the first quarter of this year, and aims to begin construction in 2023, lasting for approximately 48 months.

The borough council is in the process of updating its Local Plan, and has allocated 175 homes to be built in Kingsclere – a growth of 13.1 per cent.

The parish council has objected to this number, arguing that it is excessive and disproportionate for the village.

Writing in the village’s Tower magazine, councillor Sue Adams said the council “will be taking steps to get this number reduced”.

On the Porch Farm development, Mrs Adams said: “The parish council are of the opinion that development at Porch Farm is premature as the revised Local Plan and subsequently revised Neighbourhood Plan have yet to be consulted on and agreed.

“Nevertheless, the developers are keen to press ahead so residents can expect a consultation with the developers within the next few months.”