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Friday 11 September 2026Vol. I — Hampshire & The SouthEdition updated 11 Sept 2026, 05:01
Live construction, planning & development briefing — compiled from local Hampshire sources and refreshed daily at 6am.
PolicyPetersfield
East Hampshire District Council set to change course on Local Plan amid planning policy shifts
East Hampshire District Council is set to review a major pivot in its Local Plan strategy following national planning policy revisions and looming local government reorganization. Council leadership criticized unrealistic housing targets and proposed realigning work toward incoming unitary frameworks to avoid spending public funds on plans facing rapid obsolescence. Cabinet members are scheduled to formally decide on the strategic transition at their end-of-month meeting.
Hampshire's planning landscape is shifting fast. This briefing surfaces the developments, applications and policy moves most likely to affect homeowners and small builders across the county.
In This Edition
02Outline plans for 93-home scheme in Calmore set for approval by New Forest District Council
03Romsey hit by wave of speculative housing bids sparking infrastructure concerns
04Green light for major residential scheme of nearly 700 homes at One Horton Heath
05Developers bring forward proposals for 35 homes off Sandy Lane in Romsey
06Plans for more than 100 homes on Romsey bypass branded completely unsuitable
HousingTotton
Outline plans for 93-home scheme in Calmore set for approval by New Forest District Council
Developer Shorewood Homes has progressed outline proposals to construct up to 93 residences on agricultural land south of Salisbury Road in Calmore. The planned development features a mix of market and affordable housing with vehicular access delivered via a fourth arm off an approved A36 roundabout. Planning officers have recommended approval to committee members citing necessary contributions to the district's housing land supply.
Romsey hit by wave of speculative housing bids sparking infrastructure concerns
Local leaders in Test Valley have warned of planning disruptions as speculative schemes emerge across Romsey and surrounding rural villages. Council figures voiced strong objections to applications on flood-prone farmland near Sandy Lane, citing insufficient local infrastructure to support piecemeal development. Borough officials pointed to national policy shifts as the primary catalyst behind the rising surge of developer applications.
Green light for major residential scheme of nearly 700 homes at One Horton Heath
Eastleigh Borough Council has granted approval for nearly 700 homes as part of the strategic One Horton Heath development area. The decision was reached despite community concerns raised over increased traffic volumes and local surface drainage infrastructure. The approved phase represents a significant step in the council's wider masterplan to expand sustainable housing stock across the borough.
Developers bring forward proposals for 35 homes off Sandy Lane in Romsey
Housebuilder Macra has presented initial proposals to town councillors for a new 35-home residential estate north of Sandy Lane. The development would introduce new family dwellings to the edge of the town but faces scrutiny regarding local drainage capacity and site access. Community representatives plan to review detailed layouts before formal consideration by borough planning officers.
Plans for more than 100 homes on Romsey bypass branded completely unsuitable
A speculative proposal to construct over 100 new residences along the Romsey bypass has drawn sharp criticism from local councillors. Planning critics argued that the site's layout and heavy traffic frontage make it an inappropriate location for family housing. Formal determinations will be made by Test Valley Borough Council following a statutory public consultation period.
Proposal for 1,200 new homes unveiled at South Winchester Golf Course
A major development bid proposing up to 1,200 homes on the site of South Winchester Golf Course has emerged into the local planning pipeline. The extensive scheme would introduce significant residential density along the city's southern periphery, requiring dedicated transport links and public open space. Winchester planning authorities and local stakeholders are preparing to assess the strategic implications of the golf course redevelopment.
Locks Heath 69-home development rejected over tree preservation concerns
Fareham Borough Council planning officers have thrown out an application to build 69 new properties in Locks Heath following extensive ecological objections. The proposed residential layout would have resulted in the felling of nearly 100 mature trees across the development parcel. Councillors upheld protective landscape policies, concluding that the environmental loss outweighed the contribution to local housing targets.
