In a surprise move the recommendation to approve plans for 50 homes at Shepherds Spring has been withdrawn. Test Valley planners have asked for more details from the highways department on the effect of the plans. Residents have always argued the highways surveys were inadequate and parents are concerned that the new access road will put children’s safety at risk.

Now it seems the planning department are finally listening and asking the same questions we have been asking. As a result of this no decision was made at Thursday’s planning meeting as we expected. I expect the plan to be resubmitted at another planning meeting perhaps as soon as the end of this month. I hope to see the planners have listened to local concerns and recommend refusal of the plan.

This laln is overdevelopment of the area and a threat to road safety. We will continue our campaign until the plans are rejected. I have already written to all the members of the planning committee urging them to reject the proposals. You can read a copy of my letter here Letter to NAP. I will also be speaking against the application when it finally comes to the committee.

The county council must start again with a safer and more realistic plan. In the meantime they should tidy up the site and use the land as allotments. I will keep telling them this in the hope they listen to commonsense.