A controversial application to build 130 new homes on land west of Sapley Lane has been refused by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.
The decision was made during a planning committee meeting at the council’s offices last night, where councillors voted against the proposed development from Bargate Homes.
Local campaigners had raised concerns over the scale of the scheme, the potential impact on local infrastructure, and the effect on the character of the surrounding area. The refusal marks a significant win for those opposing large-scale housing projects in the village.
However, the fight may not be over. Bargate Homes is expected to appeal the decision in the coming months, leaving residents braced for the next stage in what has already been a long-running battle.
For now though, the refusal represents a moment of relief for campaigners who have argued the development would have changed the landscape of Overton for good.