Test Valley Borough Council’s Southern Area Planning Office logged 20 new applications in the week ending May 17—up from 15 the previous week—sparking concern over rapid development pressure in Romsey and nearby parishes. Among the most consequential is an outline plan for up to 40 homes on 12 acres at Hasley Meadows, Horsebridge Road, Broughton, submitted under reference 26/00985/OUTS.
Key Points
- ✅ 20 planning applications submitted in one week
- ⚡ 40-home development proposed near Broughton
- 💡 Solar panel plans include battery storage in Braishfield
In Braishfield, a detached property on Cherry Hill, Braishfield Road, seeks permission to install 15 solar panels—eight on the east-facing roof and seven on the west—alongside a battery storage system, under application 26/00971/FULLS. Neighbours face changes too: a resident at 8 Blackthorn Close, Romsey, has applied to raise the crown of a field maple to 3 meters and reduce the height of a holm oak by 2 meters (26/01026/TREES).
Tree and garden modifications dominate smaller-scale proposals. At 10 Tench Way, Romsey, a two-storey rear extension is proposed, while a single-storey front extension is planned for 16 Addison Close. A neighboring property at 13 Palmerston Street seeks roof windows and brickwork repairs, with identical plans filed for two adjacent addresses (26/00958/FULLS, 26/00959/LBWS).
💡 Pro Tip
Check the council’s public access portal 48 hours after submission to view plans and comment before the 21-day consultation window closes.
In Wellow, Meadowside on Romsey Road is set for a significant overhaul with plans to raise roof height for an additional storey and install dormer windows (26/00987/FULLS). Nearby, Leeside on Slab Lane would add a first-floor rear extension and alter fenestration under 26/00992/FULLS. A former stable at Mill Farm House, Woodington Road, is proposed for conversion into a three-bedroom home (26/00981/FULLS).
| Application Type | Location | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Residential development (outline) | Hasley Meadows, Broughton | Up to 40 homes |
| Solar PV + battery | Cherry Hill, Braishfield | 15 panels + storage |
| Rear extension | 10 Tench Way, Romsey | Part two-storey |
| Stable conversion | Mill Farm House, Wellow | Three-bedroom dwelling |
Tree works continue to draw objections. At Field View, Kings Somborne, a silver birch is proposed for a targeted reduction in height by 3 meters and crown thinning, preserving only live growth points under 75mm diameter (26/01002/TPOS). Meanwhile, in Sherfield English, Doctors Hill Farm seeks to demolish a conservatory and staircase, replacing it with a two-storey side extension and front and rear single-storey additions (26/01021/FULLS).
📋 By The Numbers
- 20 — Planning applications received in one week
- 40 — Maximum homes proposed at Hasley Meadows
- 15 — Solar panels requested in Braishfield
Concerns are rising about cumulative impact. Local campaigners argue that the pace of change—especially in conservation areas—risks eroding character. Romsey Town Council has yet to schedule a debate but is expected to review the cluster of applications at its next meeting on June 5. Residents have until June 7 to submit comments on any of the proposals to Test Valley Borough Council’s planning office at Beech Hurst, Weyhill Road, Andover.
- Submit comments — Deadline is 21 days from submission date for each application
- Check plans online — Public portal updates within 48 hours of receipt
- Attend local council meeting — Romsey Town Council to review on June 5
The sudden spike in applications follows months of historically low submission rates, attributed partly to relaxed permitted development rights and increased post-pandemic demand for home improvements. Planning officers are now reviewing each case for compliance with local character, flood risk, and highways safety—key flashpoints in previous appeals.