Article concerning planning application APP/26/00332 – Padnell Grange
Summary of public comments received to date (17/09/2026)
I’ve tried to give a neutral overview of the public representations supplied in relation to the proposal for 90 dwellings at Padnell Grange. It summarises the views expressed; it does not assess the planning merits or independently verify individual statements made by respondents.
Overall picture
The representations supplied are overwhelmingly opposed to the application. I’ve seen no representation expressly supporting the scheme. However, the comments are not entirely uniform: a small number of respondents acknowledge the need for additional housing, and some state that they do not object to development in principle but consider the proposed scale, density or layout inappropriate. Suggestions include reducing the number of dwellings, retaining existing buildings, and replacing some proposed two-storey properties adjoining Cherry Tree Avenue with bungalows.
Traffic, highways and parking
This is by some margin the most consistently raised concern. Residents repeatedly describe existing congestion and parking pressures on Padnell Road, Cherry Tree Avenue, Greenfield Rise/Crescent and Hazleton Way, particularly at school and commuting times. Concerns include additional vehicle movements from 90 dwellings, overspill parking, restricted visibility, the operation of the Padnell Road/London Road junction, use of residential streets as through-routes, and access for buses, refuse vehicles and emergency services.
Several detailed representations challenge assumptions within the submitted Transport Assessment, including traffic counts, parking displacement and trip-generation figures. Construction traffic and HGV movements are also frequently raised, particularly in relation to schoolchildren and constrained residential roads.
Wildlife, trees and green space
A second major theme is the loss or disturbance of established green space, trees, hedgerows and wildlife habitat. Residents report deer, foxes, bats, badgers, hedgehogs, reptiles and a wide range of birdlife using the site or adjoining land. Concern is expressed about mature and protected oak trees, bat roosts and the relationship with nearby woodland/nature areas.
Some representations seek updated ecological surveys and stronger mitigation rather than opposing every form of development. Suggested measures include retaining additional trees and hedgerows, wildlife corridors, bird/bat features and reducing the overall density.
Local services and infrastructure
Many respondents believe that schools, GP surgeries and dental services are already under pressure and question how additional population would be accommodated. Several comments also refer to the cumulative effect of other housing developments in the wider Waterlooville/Horndean area.
Drainage and flooding
A recurring, although less universal, concern relates to existing wet or waterlogged conditions, surface-water drainage and the possibility that additional hard surfacing could increase flooding or runoff affecting neighbouring areas.
Character, design and neighbouring amenity
Some of the more detailed comments focus on the relationship between the proposed development and existing properties. Concerns include density, apartment blocks and multi-storey development, garden sizes, overlooking, privacy, daylight, visual impact and the character of the area. Attention is given to proposed dwellings backing onto existing bungalows in Cherry Tree Avenue and to properties adjoining the golf course.
Other recurring matters
Further matters raised include retention of the existing Padnell Grange/farmhouse and other older buildings; the Public Right of Way through the site; protection from golf balls along the golf-course boundary; construction noise, dust and vibration; air pollution; sustainable transport and energy measures; and the adequacy and timing of public consultation/site notices.
In summary: the representations show very strong local opposition, centred principally on traffic/highway capacity and parking, followed by ecological and landscape impacts and pressure on local infrastructure. Alongside those broad objections are more specific concerns about drainage, design, heritage, neighbouring amenity and public access. Although opposition predominates, some respondents distinguish between opposition to the present 90-home scheme and opposition to development of the site in principle.
Regardless of your opinion of this latest Planning Application to develop Padnell Grange please do visit the Planning Application documentation on the Havant Borough Council website, click this Havant Borough Council link Planning Application: APP/26/00332 and do read the details and files that have been posted so far and also do leave a comment. My advice is that everyone from the Padnell Road, Cherry Tree Avenue, Greenfield Rise/Crescent and Hazleton Way areas should really investigate further for their own peace of mind, one way or another.
I will be trying to simplify many or all the files that have been posted on this application, some of it is quite heavy going so some summarising/simplifying would probably be an advantage to all, if only to reduce the time spent reading all this technical acronym loaded material.
Regards to all (especially Cowplainers) Kev Parsons
