Local Plan Vision

Bargate Homes is proposing to promote land through the Local Plan process for up to 240 homes. Our ‘Living Locally’ Vision underpins this promotion (which includes our application for 75 new homes) and presents a unique opportunity to provide a significant amount of health and wellbeing in a sustainable location thus supporting local community networks and businesses. A place that is designed and built to improve the quality of life for all people who live, work, learn and play - where every person is free to make choices amid a variety of healthy, available, accessible and affordable options.

A Mix of Homes

Build up to 240 new homes of high-quality design and architecture with a variety of types and materials that blend well with the existing historic character of Overton. A range of housing types will accommodate villagers with families or those who wish to downsize or get a foot onto the housing ladder as first-time buyers. There will be a number of accessible and adaptable homes enabling people to stay in their homes as their needs change. Homes will also be designed to facilitate comfortable home working for flexible working arrangements.

A design that reflects the village

The development draws upon the local character analysis of Overton. The contextual and local guidance studies undertaken for this project have influenced the design proposals for the Land West of Pond Close, Overton. The unique elements of Overton including accessible pathways, allotments, orchards and natural play areas have been interwoven into our proposals. Architectural detailing will use traditional elements, materials and building types.

Creating new sustainable homes:

Bargate believe in building homes to the future, with all our homes future-proofed with energy and water efficient technologies, with homes designed so that new technologies can be easily integrated into them as they emerge. Through generous provisions of public space and investing in local services, we strive for sustainable communities for the long run. Here in Overton, we’ve contributed over £412,000 towards local projects as part of the Seven Acres development.

A new neighbourhood for Overton

Development at this location provides a logical extension to Overton, surrounded by existing homes to the east and existing landscape edges to the north, south and west. The proposal will create a strong, permanent green edge to the settlement and can be incorporated without further encroachment into the countryside. Care has been taken to create appropriate character areas that reinforce the relationship to existing dwellings and with the edge of the village’s ‘rural character’.

Creating green, open spaces

The proposal includes extensive public open space and landscape corridors, providing recreational space, educational and edible landscapes and are an attractive outlook for new homes.

Landscape corridors and open space help pedestrians and cyclists, linking the Land West of Pond Close to neighbouring communities and countryside footpaths immediately to the north and south

Encouraging wildlife and biodiversity

We will retain and enhance existing natural features including hedgerows and trees. The retention of trees and hedgerows provides mature planting with ecological value that helps to soften the visual impact of future development. We will also create wildlife habitats and green corridors which will integrate hedgerows within and on the edge of the site, creating corridors for people and wildlife to move.

The creation of a sustainable urban drainage (SUDS) network provides the opportunity for semi-wetland habitats to enhance biodiversity. Swales and ponds also provide a place for people to enjoy nature, play and relax.

Creating edible landscapes

The proposal incorporates growing spaces including sensory gardens, door-step food production, allotments and community orchards, spread throughout the development.

Recreation and play

Our proposal will support social and recreational facilities in the village for people of all ages and abilities. This will include natural play areas for younger children with quiet seating areas for relaxing and enjoying views of Overton.

Key
01	Vehicle access point
02	Seven Acres currently under construction
03	New copse
04	New tree planting to break up development in long distance views
05	Swales and ponds
06	Growing spaces including sensory gardens, door-step food production, allotments and community orchards
07	New tree buffer planting protecting short and long-distance views
08	Children’s natural play area
09	Outdoor seating
10	New north south footpath
11	Potential pedestrian link
12	Enhanced pedestrian link to Dellands Street

Getting around Overton

We are also proposing a cycle and footpath links throughout the site, including a pathway that links footpath 11 to the north of the site with bridleway 26 to the south of the site. This will provide an alternative to the sunken lane for the less able.

We propose improvements to the wider pedestrian network for all abilities and ages. This will enable quicker walking times to the High Street.

In addition to the above, we will investigate the potential of providing improvements to cycling routes to the railway station and the potential to increase cycle parking at the station.

A highways survey has been undertaken to support the application.

Investing in Public Services

As part of our proposals, we will also be making financial contributions towards public services in the local area, including healthcare and education, alongside infrastructure improvements. How much and what the money specifically goes on will be determined jointly with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council. For our development at Seven Acres, Bargate Homes contributed:

£39,770 towards providing and maintaining playing fields at Testbourne School
£103,343 to maintaining facilities at St Lukes Hall
Up to £293,301 for Overton Primary School
Highways improvement works
On site open space provision and landscaping
40% affordable housing contribution
Broadband and telecoms installations