Highclere residents not happy with plans to build two homes in paddock off Westridge

Several members of the Highclere community are up in arms about a planning application to build two homes on paddock land in the village.

The one acre site where the houses would be built is located by the north west corner of the horseshoe-shaped road of Westridge.

The paddock is currently used for grazing sheep.

The planning application, which was submitted to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council on January 20, has garnered 29 objection letters from Highclere residents and zero letters of support.

Objectors have mostly taken issue with the resulting loss of green land if the two properties were built and the potential harm the construction could have on local flora and fauna.

They also fear that the homes would block off the public’s view of nearby Grade II-listed country house Hollington Park from Westridge, and that there is no further need for housing in Highclere.

Highclere Parish Council has also objected to the application, believing the homes would be “highly intrusive” upon the surrounding natural landscape.

The council also stated: “At a parish council meeting, prior to the first application, the owners of the land assured the members that their sole purpose for purchasing this land was to use it for agricultural purposes and to preserve the environment.”

The applicant Elizabeth Bowden had plans to build a timber agricultural storage building on the same plot of land approved in July 2023.

This planning application also received several objections, 14 to be exact.

To view the plans, visit the Public Notice Portal.