chilbolton.news

More than twenty members of the public packed the Durnford Room at the Village Hall to hear the Parish Council’s views on new documents in James Painter’s application to build 75 homes near Drove Road.

Councillors were considering the content of their latest objection to the development.

Elections take place tomorrow for Hampshire County Council. Chilbolton electors will be able to vote at the Village Hall, which will be open from 7am to 10pm.

Chilbolton Parish Council has published a draft of what could be its final objection to the 75-home development, before Test Valley Borough Council makes its decision.

They will discuss it at their meeting in the Village Hall on Wednesday 6 May 2026 at 6pm: Villagers are encouraged to join the meeting to give their views and ask questions.

The Science and Technology Facilities Council, which runs the Observatory, has sent a more detailed objection to James Painter’s proposed 75-home development. In it they explain the work done at the Observatory, including for the National Space Operations Centre.

They have also assessed the field Northeast of Drove Road, and sensationally have determined that the entire development site “will materially impact the Observatory operations”.

The Environment Agency has asked for a condition to be attached to any permission for the 75-home planning application.

They want to protect the Chilbolton Supersite, located at the Observatory, from air pollution from the site during construction.