Gosport councillor vows to keep fighting as housing plans go before planning inspectorate
and live on Freeview channel 276
Earlier this month, Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage asked housing secretary Robert Jenrick to look into two applications for a total of 190 homes, which could ‘close the strategic gap’ between Fareham and Gosport.
The applications are for 75 and 115 homes on land along Newgate Lane East.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdBut following non-determination by Fareham Borough Council, applicants Bargate Homes and Fareham Land LP has appealed to the national planning inspectorate, which will hold a public inquiry to make a decision.
Councillor Stephen Philpott, a Gosport councillor for the Peel Common ward, has been a long-standing opponent to housing in the strategic gap – land that separates Fareham from Gosport.
He says he will continue to battle against the plans – and has urged the public to have their say.
‘I have been opposed to these homes ever since the applications were submitted,’ he said.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad‘The whole purpose of building Newgate Lane East was to ease congestion for people driving in and out of Gosport.
‘It would be counter-productive to then build these houses right next to it.
‘Furthermore, it’s in the strategic gap and people here feel very strongly about that.’
In the planning application, both developers have argued that the sites help to maintain the strategic gap.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThey believe there is a ‘significant belt of open space’ to the west of the developments – though a third planning application has also been submitted for that site.
The planning inspectorate is part of the government’s Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
All appeals over planning applications are dealt with there, alongside council local plans and national infrastructure projects.
Cllr Philpott said it is ‘rare’ for applications to go to appeal via non-determination. This is where the council not making a decision in time.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHe said: ‘If people want to have their say, it can be done online or by sending a letter to the planning inspectorate.
‘I will certainly be having my say and I urge others to do the same.’
A message from the Editor
Thank you for reading this story on portsmouth.co.uk. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.
With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.
Subscribe to portsmouth.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit our Subscription page now to sign up.
Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.