The gap between Wrecclesham and Rowledge is set to shrink as a planning inspector has approved plans for 26 houses on a greenfield site.

Proposals by Sigma Homes to develop land next to 70 Wrecclesham Hill were rejected by Waverley Borough Council in July 2024 for several reasons.

Development on allocated greenfield land was top of the list while other reasons for refusal included an absence of two-bedroom affordable housing and concerns about the impact on the area’s sensitive environment.

But in what’s become a familiar story, a planning inspector overturned that decision last month, citing the current lack of “deliverable housing sites” and “out of date” policies in giving Sigma the green light.

The site, which is a few hundred yards up from the Ball & Wicket, lies within the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area, has some protected trees and is partly bordered by ancient woodland.

While Inspector Andrew Smith BA accepted the housing would likely have a significant impact on the TBHSPA, he called the scheme “respectful”. He also feels the site is “well-served by facilities and services” and highlighted the “distinct social benefits” of the scheme with 30 per cent affordable housing.

There are fears the decision could set a precedent and lead to more development on similar sites, although Inspector Smith has stressed future proposals, if any, would be assessed on individual merits and case circumstances, as and when.

But there already is the spectre of development close by with Cala keen to build 49 houses on land used by Kiln Equestrian Centre.

That application will soon come before East Hampshire District Council as members of their planning committee agreed earlier this summer to hold a site visit.

The Wrecclesham Hill appeal was granted in late August while the inspector’s decision was relayed when Farnham Town Council recently met.