PLANNING chiefs are studying a proposal that aims to address one of the biggest issues in the New Forest - the lack of affordable housing.

Reflect Homes is seeking consent to build almost 20 flats, houses and bungalows at the former Gang Warily Farm in Newlands Road, Blackfield.

If the scheme is approved Gang Warily Farmhouse will be demolished and the 0.5-hectare site redeveloped.

The old farm is at the eastern end of Newlands Road, close to its junction with Blackfield Road. Nearby buildings include Gang Warily recreation centre.

Reflect has applied for planning permission to build a mixture of one, two and three-bedroom properties.

A planning statement that forms part of the application says: "The site has recently been the subject of vandalism and a spate of arson attacks. The proposals will improve security in the area and introduce much-needed local housing."

The statement says a public consultation showed the scheme was responding to local needs and was "broadly supported" by people living in the area.

It adds: "The proposed development will deliver 19 genuinely affordable units to be controlled by Sovereign Housing Association.

"Sovereign are striving to provide quality, affordable homes in happy, successful places. They are driven by social purpose, with residents are the heart of everything they do."

The site is close to Fawley refinery and is inside a consultation zone devised by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

But the statement says: "HSE does not advise, on safety grounds, against the granting of planning permission in this case."

The scheme is outlined in a public notice published by New Forest District Council, which will decide the application.

Other public notices:

Southampton City Council is closing Portswood Road Spur between its junctions with Portswood Road and Thomas Lewis Way from November 17 (8pm-6am) for carriageway patching. The works are due to be completed by November 19.

Southampton City Council is closing Shirley Avenue between its junctions with Shirley Road and St James Road from November 10 (8am-4pm) for road maintenance works. The works are due to be completed by November 12.

Southampton City Council is closing the whole of Menzies Close from November 17 (8am-4pm) for road maintenance works. The works are due to be completed by November 18. There is no alternative route.

Evoliner Ltd, of Kern Close, Southampton, is applying for permission to use Southwest Trucks Ltd, Eling Wharf, as an operating centre for one goods vehicles and one trailer.

Kirsty Logan, trading as BowmanTrans, of Archers Way, Amesbury, is applying to change the operating centre from Coxford Farm House, Overton Road, Micheldever Station, to the Maritime Depot, Test Lane, Southampton.

Vinton Ltd, of Barfoot Road, Hedge End, is applying for permission add an operating centre to keep four goods vehicles and four trailers at Unit A5B North Road, Marchwood Industrial Estate.

Robert Watson, trading as J H Watson of Pavilion Park Farm, Park Lane, Swanmore, is applying for permission to use Pavilion Park Farm, Park Lane, Swanmore, as an operating centre for two goods vehicles and one trailer.