Frequently Asked Questions

The site is greenfield/pastureland for grazing horses and haylage with a small farm building along the western boundary.
The site is c.9 hectares.

A full planning application seeking detailed permission for the delivery of the proposals.
The proposals will deliver 40% affordable housing in compliance with Policy CP13 of the adopted East Hants Local Plan and the emerging Local Plan.

A detailed tree survey has been carried out and all the significant trees or groups of trees will be retained. Any removals will be of smaller, poorer quality specimens.
Ackender Woodland lies to the south of the site and is identified as Ancient woodland. The woodland area is also identified as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC).
The proposed layout aims to respect retained trees and the buffer zones of the ancient woodland.

The site is located within Flood Zone 1. There is a low risk of flooding across the majority of the site, with areas of potential surface water flood risk identified along the western and northern boundaries respectively although these are generally localised low spots within the site.
A surface water drainage strategy is currently being developed to mitigate any potential impact from surface water runoff from the proposed development and this will also manage any natural surface water flooding within the site.

The proposed development seeks to protect the rural character of the site and the separation between the settlements of Alton and Beech.
A landscape buffer will be integrated between existing and new homes to protect the privacy of nearby residents. A buffer on the northern boundary will provide enhanced screening of the development to the homes fronting Pertuis Avenue / Whitedown Lane.
A noise assessment will be undertaken and submitted as part of the planning application. The assessment will be carried out in accordance with all relevant national and local policies and follow government and industry guidance to ensure appropriate noise levels across the development.
A lighting impact assessment will be undertaken and submitted as part of the planning application.
The lighting will be designed in accordance with British Standards to the lowest level acceptable for the required tasks to be carried out safely. Consultation will be carried out with ecology to determine which areas are deemed sensitive and the lighting will be assessed on these areas to ensure they meet relevant current guidance.

The site will be accessible by car, public transport, cycling and foot. Vehicular access will be provided via a T junction from the A339.
Junction capacity modelling will be undertaken within the Transport Assessment to assess the impact of the development on the local highway network.
Safe and secure access for all modes of travel has been considered as part of the proposed access strategy.
Pedestrian and cycle routes and crossing facilities have been incorporated to provide suitable crossing points that meet with current design guidance, minimise the safety risk and encourage the use of sustainable modes of travel.
As part of the planning application, an independent Stage 1 Road Safety Audit will be undertaken to assess the safety and accessibility of the proposed vehicle and active travel access arrangements.

The site forms a draft allocation (ref. ALT4 – Land at Whitedown Lane Alton) within the Emerging East Hampshire Local Plan (2021-2040) for residential uses.
It has been promoted to the East Hants Land Availability Assessment (2023) under ref. BEE-010 ‘Land at Whitedown Lane’ for residential uses.
EHDC is currently unable to demonstrate a five year housing land supply of deliverable sites. In March 2024, an Appeal Decision at Mount Royal demonstrated that EHDC can only demonstrate a 3.59 years supply.

We hope to submit an application in November 2024 following consideration of the comments received during the public consultation.
Subject to the approval of the application by the Council, construction will commence in Q4 2025.
A Construction Management Plan will be put in place to manage things such as this. This would be secured by condition on the application and will be implemented during the construction phase of development.