40-home Hasley Meadows plan sparks Broughton village row

Test Valley Borough Council is set to decide the fate of a contentious housing development after an outline application for up to 40 homes was lodged for a 1.6-hectare field at Hasley Meadows in Broughton. Submitted by developer Mr R Barons on May 12, the plans propose a mix of one-to five-bedroom properties alongside open space and new access from Horsebridge Road.

The submission, handled by planning consultants JJP Planning, argues that the site offers a "logical and sustainable" location for growth, citing proximity to local services and alignment with Broughton’s existing built form. Masker Architects, behind the design vision, promises a "high-quality residential neighbourhood" using traditional materials such as flint, brick, tile, and timber to reflect the village’s character.

But residents have launched a vocal opposition campaign. Yinnon Ezra MBE called the plan "over-development" and warned that the narrow, flood-prone road would struggle to handle increased traffic. Rosemary White highlighted the lack of pavement and power supply fragility, citing frequent winter power cuts in Broughton. "Forty more homes will only make it worse," she said.

Emma Attfield, a local resident, argued that the location is "not viable" due to its distance from key services and the absence of drainage infrastructure. "There’s a reason this area hasn’t been developed before," she said. Masker Architects counter that the scheme would enhance the village’s character if approved.

The planning application, designated 26/00985/OUTS, has a determination deadline of August 12. The council has not yet published the full plans or begun a formal consultation. Neighbourhood Development Plan documents for Broughton exclude this specific parcel of land, adding weight to local objections.

A final decision rests with Test Valley Borough Council planners, who must balance housing need against environmental and infrastructure risks. The row over Hasley Meadows now sits at the heart of a wider debate about sustainable growth in rural Hampshire.