HERE we go again – a new application has been submitted threatening a massive housing development at Barrow Hill, Goodworth Clatford.

Nothing has changed since the previous applications.

The site is still wholly outside the village envelope on the definitive structure plan map and therefore outside any compliance criteria with that schedule.

It’s a proposed hilltop new town in a valley village – sitting on the skyline which would be visible as a scar for miles around.

It’s still a vital dark sky’s village and the proposal still holds the ridiculous prospect of a row of business units which would bring additional traffic every day – notwithstanding the 50-odd new village based vehicles.

This application stands against the local background of the 10,000 new Picket Twenty units approved till 2025 just a stone’s throw and visible from the hill top.

Of course the usual sham public consultation (third instalment, I think) has been invoked – no doubt the same glossy display of the same happy blackbird will be wheeled out – perhaps the same maps (ten years out of date) and probably the same loaded and false questionnaire.

The same stuff about support for shop, club and church will doubtless follow – Goodworth Clatford already faces the loss of good agricultural land due to the appalling solar panel factory sites already cleared to surround the village — this massive development scheme would be the last straw and bring home the final ‘blight’ on existing residents’ homes.

It is to be hoped that the Parish Council’s strong resolve to oppose the development will not be in any measure weakened by the new and cynical ploy of a couple of jokingly called affordable homes being thrown into the mix.

With Picket Twenty just a stone’s throw away that now has no credence!

The closing date for written objections is 10 April — ref 14/03004/OUTN.

C Somers Cocks, Barrowfield, Goodworth Clatford