People from Scotland, Northern Island and Spain have signed a petition against plans to build just seven houses in a village near Petersfield.

But the ‘Residents and Supporters of South Harting’ could soon be disappointed, as the modest development off New Lane looks set to be rubber-stamped.

Plans by The Jenkins Children to build seven homes on The Loppers Ash site will come before the South Downs National Park Authority when their planning committee meets next Thursday in Midhurst.

The scheme, which includes two affordable homes, has been recommended for approval despite considerable opposition with a 19-page petition and nearly 50 objections being submitted to the SDNPA.

The greenfield site has been allocated for housing and is currently unmanaged having previously been used for farming.

While the prospect of affordable homes in the village is welcome, there have been multiple concerns about the design of the development with the layout being changed since plans were first lodged in mid 2025.

“A key consideration amongst responses has been the relationship with neighbouring properties and loss of views,” said the Park’s head planner, Tim Slaney.

“The heights of the dwellings in relation to the road and the properties opposite is also of local concern, and flooding and parking are also particular issues.”

Mr Slaney and SDNPA officers have acknowledged the “level of public interest” and opposition to the scheme, and accept it will affect neighbours.

But West Sussex Highways have not raised any objections, while the plans seem to tick every SDNPA policy box for permission to be granted.

He said: “The proposal would deliver a number of positives, which are important material considerations.

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“It would assist in the delivery of an allocated site, which would contribute to the National Park’s housing supply, with two affordable homes being provided.”