News: Passing places, and the planning process

Chilbolton Parish Council held an Extraordinary meeting yesterday evening to discuss planning matters. Two issues dominated the meeting: a new proposal for passing places on Little Drove Road, and a disagreement over how CPC responds to planning proposals.

Test Valley Farm passing places

Eagle-eyed members of the action group opposing development at Test Valley Farm had spotted an application to create two passing places on Little Dove Road. This was to meet one of the conditions set by planning officers when the application to build five new homes was approved.

Residents raised a number of points about the proposals:

  • One of the passing places had been moved compared with the design originally proposed in the planning application
  • The location of the proposed passing places would mean that wide vehicles would encroach on residents’ properties and would create erosion
  • The proposal had not fully addressed the difficulty of vehicles passing each other, given the narrowness of Little Drove Road
  • A traffic regulation order would have to be made to ensure the passing places were free of obstruction, this would require public consultation
  • Double yellow lines would be inappropriate on a rural road
  • The passing places did not appear to be large enough

Cllr David Hall said that although Cllr Sue Larcombe had already submitted an objection on behalf of CPC, that another objection would be submitted with help from residents within the action group.

He said that the Village should be made aware of the proposal, so that residents had the chance to respond. Cllr Debbie Collis said that she would check the response deadlines with TVBC planning officers. She will also add an article on the issue at the Parish Council’s new website.

New CPC planning process

At the beginning of the meeting, there was disagreement over how planning responses would be made to Test Valley Borough Council.

The Parish Council had agreed at the meeting on 1 Dec 2025 to adopt one of the recommendations of the “Do the Numbers” consultancy. Planning matters would be discussed and agreed within normal CPC meetings. The Planning Committee would be suspended, as a trial, until the Annual Parish Meeting in 2026.

Cllr Sue Larcombe said that she strongly disagreed with the new process saying “this is not best for residents.”

Cllr Debbie Collis said that she would be using TVBC templates to submit responses on behalf of CPC.

Cllr Larcombe said “I have extensive knowledge.This is not good for the Village. Having a discussion is not the same as writing a response. On all other committees, the lead member makes the response.”

Cllr David Hall, Chair of Parish Council, supported Cllr Collis, endorsing her knowledge and experience. He added that he also welcomed Cllr Larcombe’s expertise, and her contribution to the discussion.

Cllr Larcombe said “This will not provide a good service to the Village. I have the most knowledge and experience. I will leave the meeting. I have made my decision.”

Cllr Hall said “I’m sorry you have taken this decision.” Cllr Larcombe left the meeting.