A DEVELOPER has maximised the housing potential of a former school site in Bordon as plans for 147 homes have been officially approved.

The Mill Chase site is set to change forever as Miller Homes has been given the thumbs up from East Hampshire District Council to redevelop the land.

A recommendation to approve the scheme was backed by the council’s planning committee in June but the decision notice was only released last week.

The 5.15 hectare site has long been earmarked for housing as it has been vacant since the secondary school was demolished at the turn of the decade. 

Some 51 of the 147 houses will be affordable, with 12 provided as first homes, 36 for affordable rent and three for shared ownership. 

Access will come from Mill Chase Road while the site will be surrounded by a ribbon of open space.

The development will also boost the community coffers, with a combined £2.4 million going towards education and recreation developments in Whitehill & Bordon.

“It is considered that the proposals provide an appropriate re-use for this previously developed site,” read the firm’s design and access statement.

“It is at a scale and density that makes best use of land while respecting local character.”

Although the application was recommended for approval by the council there were 61 objections, with most raising concerns about traffic and housing density. 

Cllr Andy Tree, leader of the Whitehill & Bordon Community Party, said there was no reason for the council not to allow redevelopment of the site, but admitted the spectre of the planning inspector was probably considered.

He added: “An appeal would cost money to defend, wasting council tax, noting that qualified council officers recommended this application be passed as there was nothing to deny it under planning law.”