Botley: Paul Holmes launches bid to protect Pear Tree Inn

Paul Holmes has lodged an objection to an application to provide six houses next door to the Pear Tree Inn at Boorley Green, near Botley.

A previous proposal to develop the site was withdrawn by Dorrington Homes after sparking more than 100 objections.

As reported in the Daily Echo, the land boasts a children's play area used by families visiting the pub.

Paul Holmes, Conservative MP for Hamble Valley, has lodged an objection to the scheme (Image: PA)

Mr Holmes was previously Conservative MP for Eastleigh but now represents the new constituency of Hamble Valley following boundary changes.

In a letter to Eastleigh Borough Council he says: "The Pear Tree Inn is the only public house in Boorley Green, is one of the few public houses in the area to have a garden for leisure use, is locally listed and of historical value.

"It also acts as a green space between adjoining properties in an area that has become extensively over-developed."

READ MORE: Plan to build six homes near Pear Tree Inn at Boorley Green sparks more than 100 objections

Dorrington wants to build six three-bedroom houses on a rectangular site opposite the junction of Winchester Road and Maddoxford Lane.

Eastleigh Borough Council will decide the application to build homes beside the Pear Tree Inn at Boorley Green (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Holmes says: "If developed it would be a huge loss to the character and facilities of the Pear Tree Inn and Boorley Green.

"I understand this application contradicts the Eastleigh Borough Council Local Plan and is contrary to the Botley Neighbourhood Plan.

"The land has long served the local community as an amenity and was protected from development after it was listed as Asset of Community Value. This only recently lapsed and should be looked at again."

READ MORE: New plan to build homes next door to Pear Tree Inn

The application says the land does not belong to the Pear Tree Inn and is not the pub's garden.

It confirms the landowner has allowed a climbing frame to be placed on the site but says permission could be withdrawn at any time.

"There is space to move the equipment into the pub's garden, and therefore development of this site would not threaten the pub's viability."

A large number of new homes are already being built in the area.

The statement says: "The major developments of Boorley Green and Boorley Gardens are well underway, permitting thousands of homes around the site, entirely changing the character of this former rural area.

"As a result of this significant change in character, several small housing developments have been permitted by the council.

"It would be inconsistent for the authority to resist development on a small patch of undeveloped land which is surrounded by development on all sides.