Developers: Charles Church and Crest Nicholson
Questions and Answers – 3 July 2026

Q: Can you confirm the number and type of affordable homes that will be delivered – and will they actually be affordable?

A:  Charles Church and Crest Nicholson are currently undertaking the tender process for the affordable housing at the site and confirm they are seeking to deliver the affordable housing provision as secured through the planning permission. The planning permission secures 133 affordable dwellings comprising a mix of 1, 2, 3 and 4+ bed affordable rent, social rent and shared ownership dwellings.  The Affordable Housing Master Schedule for the site, secured by the s106 legal agreement, shows the split by developer and phases.
The prices and rental amounts will be set in accordance with national guidance for each tenure, which will be dealt with by the appointed registered provider for the site.  The main duty of Charles Church and Crest Nicholson will be to deliver the affordable units and enter into a suitable contract with a registered provider.  The registered provider will then own the units and seek to find occupiers.

Types of Affordable Homes – Definitions
Affordable Rent – Homes that are rented at a lower cost than similar homes on the open market, typically at least 20% below local market rents.
Social Rent – Homes with rents set below market levels, typically around half the cost of a similar privately rented property, intended to help people on lower incomes.
Shared Ownership – A scheme that allows buyers to purchase a share of a home and pay rent on the remaining share. Buyers can usually purchase between 10% and 75% initially and may be able to increase their share over time, reducing the amount of rent they pay.

Q: Will the hedges in Moortown Lane be cut back before building commences, and will there be pavements?

A: In accordance with the approved Movement and Access Parameter Plan, there are proposed primary footpaths to serve Moortown Lane which will be set back inside the site, beyond the hedge.  The hedges along Moortown Lane are unlikely to be cut in in the summer months due to bird nesting but if they are required to do so then this will be under ecological supervision.  Hedges may be cut in the future if required to enable construction works to take place.  Any hedge cutting will only take place if required.

Q: Will there be any changes to Moortown Lane, and the junction of Moortown Lane with Christchurch Road, to take account of increased traffic – if so, when will this work be carried out?

A: Works to the junction of Moortown Lane and Christchurch Road have been approved as part of the planning permission.  In summary the proposed junction improvements comprise; provision of footpath; widening of the highway; amended junction arrangement; and regrading works.
Before the works can begin, the detailed design must be approved by Hampshire County Council.  Under the planning permission, the works must be agreed before the 99th home is occupied and completed before the 151st home is occupied.  Based on the expected build programme, this is likely to be around two to three years after construction starts.

Q: What was the result of the archaeological investigations on site?

A: Archaeological investigations found evidence of a Bronze Age burial monument, including a circular ring-ditch, cremation burials and other associated features.  These discoveries have been carefully examined and recorded by archaeologists.
The County Archaeologist has confirmed that the site investigations have been completed and no further excavation or protection of the remains on site is required.  However, work is continuing to analyse the finds, publish the results and ensure the archaeological records are properly preserved.  Further information is available in the Archaeological Report from Cotswold Archaeology in relation to the most recent investigations.

Q: When will new homes be available for sale?

A: Crest Nicholson and Charles Church currently expect construction to start in early 2027, with the first homes likely to be available for sale towards the end of 2027 or in early 2028.

Q: Residents of properties that adjoin the western boundary of the site are concerned about the gap between the security fence and existing garden fences and growth of brambles, nettles etc., which can’t be maintained.   Will a new perimeter fence be constructed prior to work commencing (as has been done on the eastern boundary) to ensure residents’ privacy and assist with noise levels, dust suppression etc.?

A: The concerns are noted and will be discussed by the developers this month.  

Q: Residents of Moorland Gate have raised a concern about the difference in levels between existing dwellings and the development site, and how you will ensure there is no flooding to their gardens and how potential overlooking will be addressed.  

A: The design of Phase 2 of the Charles Church phase has not yet commenced and is unlikely to until the Phase 1 application has been determined.  The Senior Planning Manager for Charles Church has promised a site visit will be undertaken prior to any design work of Phase 2 to assess the site levels and the interaction between existing and proposed dwellings.