On the 10th of September I sent a represenatative to the Special Meeting of the Planning Committee for North Whiteley. I have now provided a written submission to Winchester Council regarding infrastructure, ecology and employment concerns raised by constituents, which you can read below.
Planning Team
Winchester City Council
City Offices
Colebrook Street
Winchester
Hampshire
SO23 9LJ
12th October 2015
To whom it may concern,
Re: Planning application number 15/00485/OUT. Outline application for 3,500 dwellings, primary schools, a secondary school and associated infrastructure at North Whiteley, Hampshire.
I am writing to you with regards to the outline planning application for North Whiteley. Although the development is outside of my constituency boundary, many constituents have contacted me regarding the proposals and the associated impacts to Fareham residents. I therefore believe it to be my duty, as Member of Parliament, to pass on these concerns.
At the request of my constituents, I sent a representative to the Special Meeting of the Planning Committee held on Thursday 10th September 2015. I am therefore providing a written submission of my constituents’ concerns. The reasons for objection fall primarily into three categories; the impacts on Infrastructure, Ecology and Employment.
Infrastructure
Constituents have informed me that they are concerned that the Whiteley Way will not be expanded until after the development has begun. Many state that the traffic entering and exiting Whiteley is already above capacity and lengthy delays are therefore faced daily. Some constituents have stated that if the expected additional traffic is realised, they will be forced to move from the area, as the congestion adds substantial travelling times to their commute. Constituents have raised concerns regarding the safety of the delay of infrastructure installation too, with many worried that this will cause significant delays in response times of the emergency services. On behalf of my constituents, I call on the planning team to further investigate the possibility of expanding Whiteley Way prior to commencing the North Whiteley development. This is to ensure the relevant infrastructure is in place to negate the impacts of the increase in traffic on those currently living and/or working in Whiteley as well as road users of the M27.
Ecology
I am aware that the applicant has submitted a Shadow Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA) to screen for the likelihood of significant impacts caused by the development to ecological systems. I am also pleased that the Council has commissioned Enfusion Ltd. to undertake an independent compliance review of the Shadow HRA in order to ensure compliance with the requirements of the EU Habitats Directive and the UK Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations.
My constituents have however raised concerns with regards to the National Trust (NT) and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust (HWT) opinions that the Shadow HRA may have underestimated the likely level of access by walkers to the upper reaches of the Hamble. I am keen to ensure that the development takes all precautionary steps required to ensure that the designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) of the River Hamble is carefully managed to create a net gain in biodiversity, with no scope for degradation to ecological systems.
In addition, constituents have raised concerns regarding the area of wet woodland between Bedlams Copse and Hangman’s Copse. Constituents believe that the installations of SUDS will prevent retention of this area and therefore are concerned with regards to the impacts of change of habitat connected to a dry woodland. I am aware that the proposals will affect areas of ancient woodland within Sawpit Copse, Glassfield Copse, Barn Farm Copse and along Curbridge Creek. Constituents have contacted me in support of the County Ecologist’s concerns regarding the impacts on ancient woodland and whether the application provides proficient information about how the Sites of Importance for Nature and Conservation (SINCs) will be managed.
Employment
Whilst I support the creation of jobs associated with the development, I am keen to ensure a solution is found for the 50 businesses located at Bury Farm, which currently employ circa 300 people. I understand that the Whiteley North development will require the demolition of Bury Farm Industrial Estate, however I support the notion for an alternative site to be offered, to ensure the retention of local businesses and jobs within the area.
I thank you for taking the time to read my submission and I hope that my constituents’ concerns will be noted. If I can be of any further assistance then please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours sincerely,
Suella Fernandes MP
