A GROUP of Four Marks residents are preparing to fight a development proposal which they believe could mark "the beginning of the end" for the village as it is today. And Four Marks Parish Parish Council is on their side. Residents of Telegraph Lane are determined to put a stop to a plan by a Romsey- based developer to pull down two existing detached bungalows and build 11 new homes at a density which would be "totally out of character" with the surrounding area. Antler Homes wants to demolish 54 and 56 Telegraph Lane and build on a site which would include the rear garden of number 58. It is a plan that has struck fear into the hearts of neighbouring residents who believe the unique character of Telegraph Lane could be lost for ever, to be replaced by a rabbit warren of cul-de-sacs. "If this plan goes ahead it will turn a pretty rural area into an urban sprawl," said campaign leader Julia Hilden who, like the others, believes that once one property has succumbed to the seduction of development profit, others will follow suit. "The rot will have set in and everybody will jump on the bandwagon," said Mrs Hilden who. like others, is aware of other sites waiting on the side lines to see how this proposal is received. With vast tracts of land between Blackberry Lane and Alton Lane already subject to development rights, residents believe it could open the flood gates for major expansion. "Four Marks could become a town, but without the infrastructure," said Mrs Hilden. It was a full house at last Wednesday's meeting of Four Marks Parish Council planning committee. Residents were determined to voice their disapproval of a plan that would see two detached homes in large gardens replaced by four semi-detached properties facing the road and terraced houses in the gardens. Mrs Hilden pointed out that the uniform design and style of these houses would not fit in with the current character of Telegraph Lane, which is one of large detached houses set in ample grounds and of different architectural style, giving a feeling of leafy space. "Antler Homes wants to build uncharacteristic housing just 92 metres from the proposed South Downs National Park boundary," she said. Other residents were concerned about the extra traffic that would be generated onto an unlit rural road which is already used as a commuter "rat run". And over the effect this would have, particularly on the Winchester Road junction. Residents ridiculed Antler Homes reference to "good public transport links" with Alton, Alresford, Winchester and Guildford, saying that this was not the case and that a car was essential for any realistic travel outside the village. This proposal, they insist, would set an undesirable precedent. "The allowable 'in-fill' developments in Four Marks have already stretched local amenities, with degradation in the overall quality of life for residents due to traffic density, increased population causing lack of school places and parking at Oak Green parade shops, and an increase in air and noise pollution," Mrs Hilden told the meeting. "As a precedent, this application could lead to multiple 'look-alike' developments on both sides of Telegraph Lane in the next five years, leading to at least a doubling of current population levels in the lane." She drew attention also to the Protection of Private Gardens Bill, due to come before the House of Commons for a second reading today (Friday), which could put paid to this type of overdevelopment. "It would remove a loophole in planning law which allows private gardens to be designated as brownfield sites ripe for development," pointed out Mrs Holden. In discussing the matter, Four Marks councillors drew a comparison with what has happened to Winchester Road where houses have been ripped down and replaced by high- density development, with no apparent concern for lack of water, services or infrastructure. Their view was "enough is enough" and that they should fight the application which, they agreed with residents, would set an undesirable precedent. While Anne Storey pointed out that the site did in fact lie within the Development Policy Boundary for the village and that the principal of development would be hard to challenge, she agreed that it was "gross overdevelopment" with "the wrong type of houses on too small a plot". District councillor Pat Seward added that while the proposed density of 24 to the hectare was well below the density of 30/50 per hectare recommended under planning guidance PPG3, this policy also stated that any development should not effect the character of the area, which this proposal most certainly would. Councillors were concerned also over the apparent lack of onsite parking provision. The fear was that this would encourage parking on the roads which at night would require street lights and Telegraph Lane does not have street lights. While not wishing to be accused of NIMBYism, Geoff Rushton agree with residents. "If this proposal goes through Four Marks will be transformed from a village into a small town." Anyone wishing to comment on the application should contact EHDC by July 24, quoting reference F28055/004/4FUL.
