News: Parish Council to raise further 75-home objection
Chilbolton Parish Council will be raising a further objection to the proposed 75-home development, citing the Science and Technology Facilities Council concerns on its impact on Chilbolton Observatory.
The new objection is based on the National Planning Policy Framework clause which protects operational defence and security sites.
In a follow-up letter to his previous one to Andy Ferrier, Chief Executive of Test Valley Borough Council, Chilbolton Parish Council Chair David Hall says:
We would also draw your attention to CPC’s intention to raise a further objection to Planning Application 25/02680/OUTN which will be submitted by the councillors responsible shortly. In the light of the objection submitted by the STFC (Chilbolton Observatory), we have been further advised that Paragraph 102b of the National Planning Policy Framework (2024) should be relevant in determining this application. This states:
“Planning policies and decisions should promote public safety and take into account wider security and defence requirements by……
b) recognising and supporting development required for operational defence and security purposes, and ensuring that operational sites are not adversely affected by the impact of other development proposed in the area”
The National Planning Policy Framework sets out government’s planning policies for England and how these are expected to be applied.
Cllr Hall then refers to TVBC Cllr David Drew’s intention to join a meeting between TVBC Planning and the STFC, which Cllr Drew announced at the last Parish Council meeting.
Cllr Hall says that “we feel it would be more appropriate that TVBC and CPC meet with them together to ensure we have a shared understanding and that the [Northern Area Planning Committee] are appropriately guided when it comes to any determination.”
He points up the work that the Parish Council are doing to engage with landowners and professional advisers to produce housing options that meets Chilbolton’s needs. He says that those options will be presented to residents on 27 Jun 2026, with a “referendum / vote” during the Summer.
Cllr Hall closes by saying:
Chilbolton Parish Council is keen to work with TVBC to get the best outcome for the community we both serve. We understand that things have become significantly more complicated than when this application was submitted on November 10th 2025. However, we are now 7 months further on and would request clarity on the process and timescale both for determining this application and revising the Local Plan (Reg 18). Your response before the June 27th meeting would be very much appreciated.