News: CPC discusses latest 75-home objection

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.

Annette Keys and Rick Franke

Cllr David Hall, Chair of CPC, opened the meeting by reflecting on the deaths during the week of Mrs Annette Keys and Mr Rick Franke, who both had previously served on the Parish Council. He said “They were great servants to the Village and great friends. We extend our condolences to their families.”

David Griffiths resignation

Cllr David Griffiths formally presented his resignation from CPC. He said that he hoped to continue involvement with the Chilbolton Open Spaces Committee.

Cllr Hall thanked him for his hard work over many years, and noted that Cllr Griffiths had been part of the Parish Council since 1979, when he was first elected. He added “We hope you won’t be a stranger to this meeting.”

Planning

Northwood House

Reflecting on the way that TVBC planners had recently decided to approve an application for Northwood House, Cllr Hall said that he had been in contact with Simon Finch, Head of Planning and Building, expressing his disappointment with the way the matter had been handled.

Enforcement policy

Cllr Tony Ewer noted that a dozen or more trees had been cut down at Test Valley Farm, remarking that the developer should have been fined by the TVBC enforcement officer.

A member of the public said she had already spoken to the Enforcement Officer. He had replied that during his term of office “we’ve never fined anyone.”

Cllr Ewer said “We should write to TVBC asking them ‘Is it true you’ve never fined anyone?’”.

Cllr Hall asked that details be provided to Cllr Debbie Collis so that a letter to TVBC could be drawn up.

CPC objection to latest 75-home documents

Cllr Neil Connor introduced CPC’s draft objection. He said that it covered:

  • Highways
  • Ecology
  • The fact that there had been no additional documents on water and sewerage
  • The Walking, Cycling and Horse-riding Assessment Report (WCHAR)
  • Flooding
  • The Observatory

He added that “we reserve the right to comment on any further documents lodged.”

Cllr Martin Watson commented that the document was “well-written and well-considered.” Councillors then made suggestions for finalising the document. They included:

  • Specifying exactly which documents were being commented on
  • Pointing out how the harms of the development exceeded the benefits
  • Reworking the covering letter to reinforce the importance of the National Planning Policy Framework, Chilbolton’s Neighbourhood Development Plan and TVBC’s Local Plan

Cllr Tony Ewer said “I don’t understand the Objection from the Observatory. What are these secret risks? What are they grumbling about?”

Cllr David Hall said “It’s not our business. You need to be asking that of the Observatory.” He added that the Observatory was not technically a consultee and therefore wouldn’t be allowed to speak at the Northern Area Planning Committee meeting. He added “Our objection needs to be robust.”

Referring to CPC’s draft response, Cllr Ewer said “I’m inclined to suggest that we remove this reference [to the Observatory]. I’ve checked and there’s no classified information in their document.”

Cllr Hall said “We acknowledge the Observatory’s comments.”

Cllr Hall then said that CPC would try to lodge their objection by Friday 8 May 2026, and that a copy should be sent to Hampshire County Council Highway Authority and the Environment Agency.

Public comments

The meeting was then opened to comments from the public on the draft objection.

A member of the public said “It’s excellent. It’s data-based, level-headed and it has the due diligence. Well done!”

Two members of the public expressed concern that the objection from the Observatory was properly considered.

One noted that in the case of Jodrell Bank, planning applications within a six-mile radius automatically included that Observatory as a formal consultee. That could be achieved here by adding Chilbolton Observatory in a policy within TVBC’s Local Plan.

The other said that in the short term CPC should write to TVBC planners and the Observatory to make sure they were talking to each other.

Cllr Hall said that TVBC and the Observatory should make the Observatory a formal consultee.

A member of the public said that the objection should reflect the strength of feeling in the Village, evidenced by the number of objections residents had made.

Cllr Hall said “We’ll reflect the views of the Village.” He then closed the public discussion saying “We have a plan. Thank you.”

Next meeting

The Annual Parish Meeting will take place in the Village Hall on Monday 11 May at 6pm.

The next regular Parish Council Meeting will take place in the Village Hall on 1 Jun 2026 at 6pm.