READER’S RANT: BIG DECISIONS FOR WHITENAP

Living at Luzborough – the new build site under the auspices of the Ashfield Partnership, I was alarmed at the article regarding the proposed 1100 new homes planned for Whitenap.

Luzborough – the first and much smaller scale project, by the Ashfield Partnership, consisting of just 56 houses, has been a disaster in the making. Zero communication from the Ashfield Partnership throughout. Three years on since moving into our house, we are none the wiser on when any form of management company will start. The roads are constantly being dug up as yet more problems arise from poor installation of drainage pipes and the landscaping is now onto it’s third firm after previous ones failed. In short – issues everywhere you look.

The Ashfield Partnership produced a glossy Design and Community Code explaining the virtues of their ‘vision’ for edible streets and a community spirit. This has become a work of fiction and sadly the residents are completely out of the loop regarding what is going on – at the expense of the Ashfield Partnership forging ahead with their plans for Whitenap and Hoe Lane. We have been left in limbo, out of sight out of mind.

TVBC and local councillors are well aware of this, yet we need to get the message out there that if Luzborough – a small scale project in comparison cannot be completed to a reasonable standard and the residents supported, then stand by Whitenap and Hoe Lane. It is all very well playing the game to uphold planning permissions and TVBC regulations, yet there is a reality check when they fail to deliver.

Mr H from Romsey

Both Ashfield Partnership and Test Valley Borough Council have been contacted for a response.

Ashfield Partnership declined to reply and the council have not replied.