02/03/2026
Please consider submitting an objection to this latest planning application. The remaining amenity land is like a bog already, without us being limited to a narrow 1.5m grass path to gain access to Windmill Hill - it would then be unusable. We have until 5th March, Thursday to submit comments. Thank you!
**Application number 4 on Cowdray Park’s Amenity Land**
We need your help! Please help us save the amenity land at the top of Cowdray Park by the entrance to Windmill Hill.
Yet another application has been submitted - we need to show strength of feeling as before to push for a refusal. This isn’t just about THIS land, it will set a dangerous precedent for ALL the other little pockets of green around our town which developers will see as possibilities for development.
I have added some information below - please use this and the last lot of information in the pinned post to use in your objection. Perhaps reword yourself or add to AI so that each objection doesn’t look the same?
🏠Planning Application Number: EHDC-26-0108-FUL
Weblink: East Hants | East Hampshire District Council | Application | 181751
https://publicaccess.easthants.gov.uk/planning/index.html?fa=getApplication&id=181751
🌿Amenity Land
East Hampshire District Council planners have consistently refused all previous applications for 2, 3 and 4 bed dwellings (59966/002, 59966, 60141) upon this piece of Amenity Green Open Space. One of the key reasons in each refusal is that “The proposal would result in an undesirable and unacceptable form of development, such that the proposed dwelling and its extensive plot would result in the loss of locally highly valued amenity land which positively contributes to the character and spatial qualities of the residential estate.”
This stance was also supported by HM Government Planning Inspector at Appeal.
APP/M1710/W/23/3324931, Decision Notice, Point 6
APP/M1710/W/23/3324931, Decision Notice, Point 8
The landowner has now erected a fence to stop PART of the land being used as amenity land by the local community. BUT, the landowner can only fence the land that they own and all remaining land (owned by Taylor Wimpey) is still Amenity Green Open Space and available for the local community to use today. This planning application proposes to put a driveway through the remaining Amenity Green Open Space (land that they do not own), thus removing this from use by local residents, children, etc. The previous planning refusal reasons are therefore still valid and applicable. EHDC must be consistent.
If this application is approved, it sets a dangerous precedent that all of these pieces of amenity land in EHDC boundaries can be developed via infill. This removes the exact benefits to existing residents and goes against the very reasons why they are deliberately designed into housing estates.
🚶Footpath
The application proposes a permissive footpath along the field fenceline. Whilst it is good that this existing footpath will be maintained, the application proposes a grass footpath only 1.5m wide. Anyone using this path during late Autumn to mid-Spring knows that this narrow path will be thick, slippy mud and will prevent less able walkers (e.g. disabled or older walkers) from using the path for fear of slipping and injury. A more permanent surface such as tarmac should be used to maintain access for everyone without discrimination. The applicant also proposes lowering the ground level of the path but does not say by how much and how they will stop the edge of the farmers field from collapsing into the footpath.
🚘Parking
The parking situation is already difficult with lots of visitors driving to Windmill Hill for walking, etc. This application will remove two of the parking spaces that are used throughout the day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. This can only move those cars to junction corners and create a more dangerous situation.
⚒️Sustainable Construction
There is no attempt to add any form of sustainable energy provision such as solar or air source heat pumps. Policy CP24 of the EHDC Joint Core Strategy requires development proposals to demonstrate how they would achieve certain standards of sustainability in construction to mitigate the environmental impact of development. No details have been provided with the application to demonstrate how it would achieve at least 10% of its energy demand from decentralised and renewable or low carbon energy sources.
👀Privacy of back bedroom
When walking from Windmill Hill back into Cowdray Park, we will be able to see above the 1.8m fence and across up into the back bedroom windows which will be just above level eyeline as we walk back down the slope into Cowdray Park.
🪴Quality of Back Garden
Whilst the new application proposes a tiered garden, the immediate usable patio area to the rear and side of the house is still 2.8m (9' 2") below the fenceline. The area of the already small garden will feel oppressively boxed in. Even at the top of the garden, the fenceline will be 2.34m (7' 8") on the southern boundary.
