The Basingstoke and Deane Council Development Control Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 24 September 2025. The main item for consideration is an outline planning application for a residential development in Overton. The meeting will also address any urgent matters and review the minutes from a previous meeting.

Land South West Of Overton, Sapley Lane: Planning Application 24/01827/OUT

The committee will be considering an outline planning application for a proposed development on land south west of Overton, at Sapley Lane. The application, submitted by Bargate Homes, seeks permission for:

• Up to 130 dwellings (Use Class C3[^2])
• Public open space, including a country park
• Associated landscaping
• Infrastructure works

All matters are reserved except for access.

The planning officer is recommending that the committee delegates authority to the Head of Planning and Infrastructure to approve the application, subject to conditions and the completion of a legal agreement between the applicant, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, and Hampshire County Council. Should the legal agreement not be secured within 12 months, the Head of Planning and Infrastructure is to be delegated to refuse the application.

The legal agreement would aim to secure:

• 40% affordable housing, with 70% for rent and 30% as intermediate provision
• Delivery of site access and active travel connections
• Contributions towards active travel improvements and Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) schemes
• A full travel plan, including approval and monitoring fees, and a cash deposit
• Contributions to maintain and upgrade public rights of way
• On-site play facilities and open space
• A landscape management plan
• Biodiversity net gain
• Significant features
• An employment and skills plan
• A public art scheme

The planning officer's report notes that the proposed development would be a departure from Local Plan Policies SS1 and SS6, as it is in a countryside location and does not meet the policies' criteria. It is also contrary to Policy H1 of the Overton Neighbourhood Plan. However, these policies are considered out of date due to the council's shortage in housing land supply. The report states that the development would avoid isolated housing in the countryside, as required by paragraph 84 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

The report also notes that the proposed development would result in some harm to the local landscape character and visual amenities, but that this harm would be relatively localised. It is considered that a sensitively designed and well-landscaped scheme could help to mitigate these impacts.

The report states that no other adverse harms have been identified that cannot be appropriately mitigated. The proposals include provisions for affordable housing, sustainable transport improvements, public open space and equipped play areas, long-term landscape management, biodiversity net gains, and an employment and skills plan. These measures are intended to ensure adequate infrastructure to mitigate the impact of the development.

The report pack includes a summary of the objections to the application, including concerns about the principle of development, the impact on village facilities and infrastructure, and the loss of green space. There is also a summary of a letter supporting the application, which notes that the site has been carefully thought out with the inclusion of a country park.

The report pack also includes the comments of statutory consultees, including the Environment Agency, Hampshire County Council Highways, Hampshire County Council Countryside Services, and Natural England.

The report pack includes the comments of consultees, including the Landscape Officer, Urban Design Officer, HCC Education, Waste Team Environmental Health Officers, Housing Officer, Lead Local Flood Authority, Employment and Skills Officer, Planning Policy, Historic Environment Team, Biodiversity Officer, National Gas Asset Protection Team, County Archaeologist, HCC Minerals and Waste, Parks and Open Space Officer and Southern Water.

The report pack includes the comments of Overton Parish Council, which objects to the application.

Applications for Planning Permission

The committee will be asked to consider and make decisions on planning applications. The report pack includes an index of planning applications, divided into major and minor items. Major items include residential developments of more than 10 dwellings or sites larger than 0.5 hectares, and non-residential developments exceeding 1,000m² or one hectare. Minor items include applications for listed buildings, conservation areas, tree preservation orders, and consent to demolish buildings.

The report pack notes that applications are referred to the Development Control Committee for various reasons, including unresolved objections, the applicant being a council member or employee, the application relating to council-owned land, a request from the ward member, or the officer's recommendation being contrary to the Development Plan.

The report pack also outlines the public speaking arrangements for the meeting, with speakers limited to four minutes per item.