Maya George

Plans submitted to Fareham Borough Council propose demolishing the vacant Salterns Club in Warsash and replacing it with four detached four-bedroom homes. The club closed in November 2024 and entered liquidation after a final general meeting the following April. The revised scheme reduces the number of homes from five to four, moves the access road, increases separation from neighboring properties, and adds landscaping while retaining mature trees where possible. The application was submitted by Dave Newell on August 20 and is scheduled for a planning decision on October 15.

Go New Forest has urged holidaymakers not to cancel planned trips to the New Forest, saying accommodation providers and businesses across the wider area remain open unless visitors are contacted directly. Visitors should check travel information, Forestry England updates and emergency-service instructions, avoid restricted areas and expect some car-park closures. The organisation expressed concern about damage to habitats and species while stressing that responsible tourism is important to local communities and businesses.

West End Parish Council condemned aggressive and intimidating behaviour directed at staff and volunteers during its Community Games at Hatch Grange, where demand for limited solar-viewing glasses greatly exceeded expectations. Adults reportedly arrived early, formed queues and disrupted a quieter session for children with additional needs before some shouted at or confronted volunteers. The council said frustration did not justify the conduct, pledged to review arrangements for future events and expressed concern that the actions of a small number of people could overshadow a popular annual fundraiser for West End Youth Club.

Hamble Parish Council’s Statutory Review challenge against planning permission for Cemex’s proposed sand and gravel quarry at Hamble Airfield has been dismissed. The challenge followed a planning inspector’s decision to overturn Hampshire County Council’s refusal and approve the quarry after an appeal. The parish council is consulting its legal team about whether any further challenge is possible, while Conservative MP Paul Holmes condemned the outcome and pledged continued support for residents opposing the development. The case concerned alleged failures in the planning process, including the assessment of hydrological effects on internationally designated conservation sites.

A seven-year-old girl and her friend were narrowly missed by a speeding car while using a zebra crossing on Portsmouth Road in Lowford. Resident Juliet Mayne said near misses have become a frequent problem and called for measures such as a raised crossing, speed bumps or an additional crossing patrol. Conservative MP Paul Holmes supported residents’ concerns and criticized Hampshire County Council for a lack of action. The council said safety works completed in 2023 had improved visibility and that no injury collisions had been recorded at the crossing, while it reviews future transport improvements with Eastleigh Borough Council.

InPost has submitted plans for a parcel locker at the Ferndale Road Post Office and convenience store in New Milton. The proposed unit would occupy about four square metres, use existing access and parking, and connect to the existing drainage system. The application argues that its small size means new wildlife rules do not apply. New Forest District Council will assess the proposal before making a decision.

Shaun Goddard is appealing an Eastleigh Borough Council enforcement notice requiring him to stop operating Shamblewood Bike Park near Hedge End and remove its jumps, ramps, tyres and office by the end of October. Goddard spent three years and £12,000 creating the facility for young riders, but did not apply for planning permission, saying he could not afford the fee and was unaware that submitting plans would not be sufficient. He is preparing a retrospective application, while an ecologist and architect have offered free assistance and supporters have raised about £500. The council says it advised him that planning permission was required after becoming aware of the park's construction.

Residents near Haslar Immigration Removal Centre in Gosport say proposed expansion plans would leave them trapped in their homes and harm property values. The Home Office plans to increase capacity to 600 detainees, with an initial phase creating about 130 refurbished bed spaces. Gosport Borough Council’s regulatory board unanimously agreed to submit its concerns during the consultation, although the final decision will be made by the Secretary of State under Crown Development rules. Residents can submit views to the Home Office until August 6, while MP Caroline Dinenage continues to seek ministerial answers.

Two groups are expected to protest in Gosport town centre, with Hampshire Resistance planning a march and Gosport Together organising a unity counter-demonstration. Conservative councillor Lesley Meenaghan urged all participants to show respect for residents, families and children, while acknowledging the right to freedom of speech. Gosport Together said it was opposing alleged hate-driven rhetoric and seeking to keep the town inclusive and safe, citing arrests and hostile conduct at previous demonstrations.

A planning inspector has dismissed an appeal against Fareham Borough Council’s refusal to allow three en-suite bedrooms in an outbuilding at an existing six-bedroom HMO on Spurlings Road. The applicant argued that the building would share the main house’s kitchen and living areas and would merely improve the internal layout. Inspector V Goldberg ruled that bedrooms constitute core residential accommodation rather than an incidental use of a garden building, meaning the proposal required proper planning scrutiny. Councillor David Hamilton welcomed the decision.

Hamptworth Golf and Country Club received narrowly approved permission to convert two existing farm barns near Hamptworth Road into six en-suite rooms for overnight guests. The plans include new cladding and windows, a communal sitting area and kitchenette, and transport by golf buggy rather than additional parking. A neighbour and Landford Parish Council objected over lighting, vehicle movements, disturbance and insufficient detail, but the New Forest National Park Authority planning committee voted three to three, with chair Steve Trow’s casting vote securing approval. The permission allows only the change of use and associated works, not demolition or rebuilding.

A planning inspector has dismissed Bargate Homes’ appeal to build 62 homes on two fields west of Old Street in Stubbington. The decision found that the scheme would erode the Meon Gap, make the area more suburban and harm valued countryside near Titchfield Haven. Although Fareham needs new and affordable housing, the inspector also criticised the lack of a firm legal guarantee for proposed self-build and custom-build plots. Fareham Borough Council had rejected the plans after more than 340 objections.

Fareham Borough Council leader Simon Martin plans to introduce a policy banning all party-political stalls at council-run community events, while allowing non-partisan voter information. The proposal follows controversy over Reform Hamble Valley’s cancelled stall at the privately organised Warsash Festival, where organisers said their long-standing non-political policy prohibited party exhibits. Reform criticised the cancellation, particularly because Fareham’s deputy mayor attended the event.

The New Forest National Park Authority unanimously approved plans by R S Recovery Limited to convert a long-derelict former scrapyard on Lime Kiln Lane in Holbury into a 24-hour vehicle recovery base. The development includes a workshop, portacabins and a shipping container, with some work already completed retrospectively. R S Recovery says it has removed contaminated soil, disposed of waste and improved the site's appearance and safety. The base will support the company's vehicle fleet and employ 16 full-time staff, while overnight activity will mainly be limited to callouts. Councillors supported the application, citing the site's improvements and the absence of objections.

Eastleigh Borough Council has opened a £100 million tender for Upper Acre, the next major phase of the One Horton Heath development, seeking a single contractor to build 424 homes along with roads, drainage and green spaces. Work is planned to begin in March 2027 and finish by May 2030. The council reported £184 million in borrowing for the wider project but highlighted oversight through audits and reviews. Detailed designs for Upper Acre were approved in March, featuring zero‑carbon heating and sustainable transport routes. The tender is open to local, regional and national firms and is listed on the Government’s Find a Tender service.

New planning rules taking effect on October 31 will shift routine applications to officer approval and require a new Gateway Test for larger or more complex developments before they can go to public committee. Eastleigh council leader Keith House criticised the changes as reducing democratic oversight and increasing pressure on planners. The reforms will eliminate councillor call‑ins for smaller applications and are expected to reduce Local Area Committee caseloads by about 62 percent. Decisions made outside the new rules risk legal challenge, though the council notes potential cost savings from fewer committee meetings.

A Gosport café in the historic Royal Haslar site is seeking a licence to sell alcohol daily from 9am to 5pm. The application by Maria Wilkinson has prompted mixed feedback, with some residents supporting the proposal and others objecting to extended hours and Sunday opening. The licensing sub-board will review the application and submissions before deciding whether to approve, reject, or condition the licence.

The Conservative leader of Gosport Borough Council criticised what she described as childish social media disputes between councillors and rejected claims of a coalition with Reform UK. Disagreements between Reform UK and Liberal Democrat councillors have prompted concern from residents over the tone of political debate. Liberal Democrat leader Peter Chegwyn accused Reform UK of lowering standards, while Reform UK’s Paul Carter argued his party is correcting misinformation and remains focused on addressing local issues.

A £536 million housing scheme at One Horton Heath has yet to sell any homes more than a month after launch, with Eastleigh Borough Council officials attributing the slow start to a flat housing market. Financial and technical leaders said interest remains high but buyers are struggling to sell existing properties. Some councillors expressed concern about missed deadlines and lack of sales, while others highlighted positive aspects of the development, including demand for shared ownership units and the quality of planned community infrastructure. A wider electricity upgrade is expected by 2028, though current homes already have power.

Councillors rejected Waltet Materials’ proposal to increase the height of rubble and soil stockpiles at its Bunny Lane waste site from four to seven metres, citing landscape and amenity concerns. The company argued the extra height was necessary for operational efficiency, but council leader Nick Adams-King and local residents opposed the plan, noting potential visual and noise impacts. A tied committee vote was decided by the chair’s casting vote, upholding the recommendation for refusal of the application.

A former care home in Lymington that closed in 2024 has been sold to Colten Developments, which also owns the neighbouring surgery site and is considering future proposals. The company says any plans will be shaped by local needs and involve public consultation. Liberal Democrat councillor Jack Davies condemned the sale, criticising the lack of a promised replacement care home. Hampshire County Council said selling unused sites helps manage financial pressures and confirmed no timeline exists for redevelopment.

Eastleigh Borough Council has approved plans to build 12 affordable homes on the former Samson’s Gym site, which has remained vacant since the owner’s 2018 kidnapping conviction and the building’s demolition in 2021. The project includes a three‑storey apartment block and three terraced houses, with design changes addressing neighbour concerns over privacy and building height. Councillors praised the revised scheme, which doubles the previous on‑site parking capacity and provides 100 percent affordable housing.

Planners rejected a bid by the New Forest Fruit Company to secure a lawful development certificate for 34 seasonal‑worker accommodation units at Penerley Farm, ruling that the business failed to prove consistent use over the required ten‑year period. Support came from the Beaulieu Estate and the National Farmers’ Union, while the Beaulieu Residents’ Association objected over unclear unit details. The authority cited insufficient evidence and changes in accommodation types over time. The company intends to appeal, emphasising its role in supporting the rural economy and seasonal workforce.

Plans to build seven padel courts at Eastleigh Football Club have drawn significant objections from nearby residents, Trojans Rugby Football Club and King Edward VI School over concerns including parking displacement and increased vehicle movements. Eastleigh Borough Council has delayed its decision while awaiting further information. The club maintains that the development would replace disused hardstanding, preserve parking capacity and generate minimal noise impact.

A £5.88 million plan to regenerate Gosport’s historic waterfront proposes upgrades to the ferry arrival point, new signage along the 4.4‑kilometre route, a redesigned gateway and a pedestrian platform linking Victoria Quay to Royal Clarence Yard. The scheme faces a £490,000 shortfall but forms part of a wider £18 million government‑funded regeneration programme. A long‑delayed installation of 11 student‑created ceramic ‘Vertipools’ could proceed with additional funding, with the University of Portsmouth set to monitor biodiversity developments. Councillors will decide whether to advance the project to detailed design, with all funding required to be spent by March 2028.

A proposal to create an outdoor seating area at Netley Central Club was narrowly approved despite concerns about potential anti-social behaviour. Manager Ray Dumper argued the club’s reputation had been unfairly criticised, citing strong membership and few complaints, and emphasised security measures including restricted access and CCTV. Councillor Steve Holes supported the application due to a lack of clear evidence of problems, while Councillor Tonia Craig opposed it over its impact on nearby residents. The committee approved the plans by a three-to-two vote.

A developer’s attempt to reduce its affordable housing commitment in a Pennington project from 45 homes to three has triggered strong criticism from local Liberal Democrat councillors, who accuse the company of misleading the New Forest District Council and breaking earlier agreements. Bargate Homes argues the request is supported by a detailed viability assessment, while the council reviews the proposed Section 106 modification amid ongoing construction and local disruption from related roadworks.

Reform UK’s Hamble Valley branch criticised organisers of the Warsash Festival after their exhibition stall booking was cancelled when the Locks Heath Rotary Club determined the pitch would be used for political purposes. Branch chair Josh Read attributed the move to political motivation, noting the mayor’s attendance at the event. The Rotary Club stated the cancellation aligned with its non‑political policy and explained that the initial booking enquiry did not clearly indicate it was for a political party. Organisers refunded the stall fee and said the same decision would apply to any party.

Neighbourhood police officers in Hampshire are being diverted to urgent calls due to a 15 percent rise in 999 demand since January, according to Police Commissioner Donna Jones. The increase has prompted concerns from Gosport councillor Lesley Meenaghan, who questioned whether neighbourhood teams should be protected from reassignment during periods of anti-social behaviour. Jones said community safety grants will reopen in October and highlighted ongoing work on a new Gosport police station to improve response times. Recent enforcement activity in the town was cited as evidence of robust policing, alongside calls for parents to monitor their children during busy periods.

Residents in Chandler’s Ford voice concerns that Station Lane cannot handle additional traffic from a proposed 32‑flat development by Eastleigh Borough Council. Locals cite congestion, parking issues and potential tree loss, while acknowledging the need for affordable housing but arguing the site is unsuitable for a project of this scale. Public feedback remains open ahead of a formal planning application later in the year.

An Ofsted inspection identified serious safeguarding and welfare failings at YMCA Fairthorne Manor Nursery in Curdridge, including insufficient management of unexplained injuries, poor hygiene standards, and inadequate security measures. Leadership was criticised for weak safeguarding culture and slow responses to concerns. The nursery reports that a follow-up visit in May confirmed the required improvements had been completed. Staff were praised for supporting early literacy, and nursery leaders emphasised their commitment to ensuring safe and high‑quality care.

A man disrupted a Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Panel meeting in Winchester, shouting accusations at commissioner Donna Jones and chair Phillip Davies before being escorted out by police. He alleged a former officer engaged in illegal activity and claimed the panel ignored his evidence. Donna Jones and her team left during the incident, and the man continued to demand engagement while being removed from the room.

A man was removed from a Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Panel meeting in Winchester after repeatedly interrupting proceedings and accusing an ex‑police officer and the panel of aiding illegal activities. He confronted commissioner Donna Jones and chair Phillip Davies, leading Jones and her team to leave. Police escorted the man out as he continued to demand that the panel address his allegations.

Cadnam Cricket Club has applied for permission to extend its pavilion to add women’s and disabled changing facilities, supporting growth in its women’s teams. Chairman Paul Godfrey said the rural location limits the development’s impact, and the extension would replace a lightly used area. The club cites increasing demand, especially among junior and women players, and aims to run two women’s hardball teams next season. The application is under review by the New Forest National Park Authority, with no decision date set.

A planning inspector has approved a previously rejected proposal to build 82 homes east of Lower Pennington Lane in Lymington, overturning New Forest District Council’s refusal. The development will include mixed housing, public green space, and at least 50 percent affordable units with restrictions on second-home use. Local councillor Jack Davies criticised the decision, citing impacts on Oakhaven Hospice and local lanes. The inspector concluded the scheme would provide a positive character and modestly address concerns about second homes. The council maintained its original concerns about density and landscape impact but acknowledged the appeal process examined these issues in detail.

Detailed plans have been submitted for a new three‑form entry primary school forming part of Eastleigh Borough Council’s 2,500‑home One Horton Heath development. The proposed school is designed as an open civic space with adaptable internal layouts, community rooms, sports facilities, and landscaped grounds intended for wider public use. The project comes amid forecasts that the council will pay significant interest costs during construction and long‑term ownership but expects substantial rental income from the overall development. Public consultation runs until July 27, with a decision expected on September 24.

Police issued a notice for an unauthorised traveller encampment to leave a Fair Oak car park, prompting the group’s departure. Fair Oak and Horton Heath Parish Council said the site has been re-secured and will be cleared of rubbish, thanking residents for their patience.

The monthly market in Gosport has been discontinued after organisers Nest & Anchor were unable to secure a new contract with Gosport Borough Council. The company continued operating under temporary waivers after the contract expired in April but found the arrangement unsustainable. Council officials said they were unable to reach a new agreement and are beginning a process to appoint a new organiser. Political figures disputed which administration was responsible for the lapse, while the organisers expressed pride in the market’s development and hoped it would continue under new management.

Councillors approved the sale of Gosport’s long‑unused Criterion Theatre after a dispute over whether one financial detail related to the sale should remain confidential. Liberal Democrat councillor Peter Chegwyn accused Conservative and Reform members of hypocrisy for supporting a private “pink paper” item despite previously opposing secret sessions. Council leader Zoe Huggins said limited confidentiality was necessary to protect the council’s negotiating position, while Reform leader Paul Carter rejected claims his group had shifted its stance on transparency. The board ultimately voted to sell the property, ending four years of debate over the stalled project.

A major logistics development in Calmore is recommended for final approval, with New Forest District Council officers estimating it could create about 280 jobs. The proposal includes five large warehouse buildings and associated offices, following outline approval granted in 2025. Despite acknowledging a shortfall in parking spaces, officers do not consider it grounds for refusal. One resident objected, citing concerns about traffic, noise, pollution, and the impact on the character of the New Forest. Councillors are scheduled to decide on the plans on July 8.

A burnt-out vehicle and large amounts of rubbish left by an unauthorised traveller encampment in Horton Heath have caused anger among local councillors and residents. Councillor Steve Broomfield criticised the environmental damage and cleanup costs, while resident Christopher Chester said the incident reversed months of community litter‑picking efforts. The group was recently served an eviction notice, and new encampments have appeared in the area, prompting coordination among local councils and police.

Gosport councillors are set to decide the future of the long‑unused Criterion Theatre, which has cost more than £1 million since its 2022 purchase by the previous Liberal Democrat administration. Rising construction costs and design challenges have made redevelopment increasingly unviable, prompting sharp criticism from Conservative and Reform UK councillors, who label the project a political failure and a misuse of taxpayers’ money. The policy and organisation board will vote on next steps on July 1.

A proposal has been submitted to demolish a mid‑20th‑century bungalow in Brockenhurst and replace it with two new homes featuring contemporary vernacular design. Applicant Laurence Meakin seeks approval for a larger four‑bedroom main house with a double garage and a smaller three‑bedroom dwelling, along with expanded parking. Planning documents argue the scheme would improve the site through modern, functional and visually sympathetic architecture. The New Forest National Park Authority will determine the application at a later date.

Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage criticised the Home Office for what she called an inadequate public consultation on plans to expand the Haslar Immigration Removal Centre, warning that using the Crown Development process bypasses local planning authority oversight. She argued that residents lack meaningful input, particularly after previously undisclosed design changes emerged. Dinenage pressed Minister Alex Norris for details on capacity, detainees and community engagement, with Norris agreeing to provide information and meet her. She said public trust is fragile and urged direct engagement with Gosport residents.

A revised proposal by Dorrington Homes to build six houses beside The Pear Tree pub in Boorley Green was unanimously rejected by the local area committee, following an earlier failed appeal. Councillors argued the development would remove important community open space and harm a valued local pub, describing the scheme as over‑development. Despite planning officers recommending approval, Botley Parish Council and local representatives urged refusal, citing the loss of recreational land and concerns over crowding in the area.

Councillors approved plans for 50 retirement apartments in Boorley Green despite objections about ongoing sewage problems in Botley. Local representatives warned that existing infrastructure failures, attributed to Southern Water, have caused public health concerns, with sewage escaping during heavy rainfall. While acknowledging the need for additional housing, councillors called for stronger conditions to address sewage issues. The development will include one- and two-bedroom apartments, communal areas, and two private-market houses.

An unauthorised traveller encampment was established in a car park off Knowle Lane in Fair Oak, prompting the parish council to coordinate with Hampshire Police, Eastleigh Borough Council and legal advisers to resolve the issue. Residents were urged to report concerns, with guidance on reporting anti-social behaviour. The warning follows a recent eviction notice served to a traveller group in nearby Horton Heath.

A revived proposal by Dorrington Homes seeks approval to build six semi-detached houses next to The Pear Tree pub in Boorley Green after a previous plan was rejected on appeal. The updated application includes new access to Winchester Road, parking provisions, and a revised New Forest habitat mitigation strategy. Eastleigh Borough Council will evaluate the bid, while Botley Parish Council has raised concerns about the loss of community green space. Councillors are recommended to approve the scheme at an upcoming committee meeting.