ROMSEY-based developers Antler Homes Wessex Ltd are said to be "considering their options" after a planning inspectorate decision to throw out an appeal on two applications for high density backland development on a site in Four Marks. Viewed as a test case, the applications to build 11 and 14 new homes following the demolition of 54 to 56 Telegraph Lane, has been viewed locally as a success for 'people power'. The concern was that to allow this type of 'in depth' development would mark the beginning of the end for the semi-rural character of Four Marks. "It would be, objectors said, out of character with the area and would set an irreversible precedent." The decision to dismiss the appeal came just three weeks after a packed public inquiry at Medstead village hall which left Antler Homes agent Martin Hawthorne convinced of his client's success. According to Mr Hawthorne he had been "dumbfounded" by the inspector's decision to ignore what he felt were clear-cut arguments about the policy boundary. He had argued that, by drawing the line along the back garden boundaries the planners had paved the way for development up to that line. Inspector Howard Rose had ruled that just because the boundary was there it did not mean development had to touch the boundary line if it would change the character of the area. Mr Hawthorne told The Herald: "The ramifications if this decision remains unchallenged are enormous. East Hampshire District Council has a deliberate policy - if it had wanted to prevent in-depth development in this area then the policy boundary should have been drawn 25m back from the houses and not along the garden boundaries." While no decision has been made as yet, Mr Hawthorne confirmed that one of the options being considered by Antler Homes was to seek a Judicial Inquiry into the Planning Inspectorate decision.
