Bargate Homes and VIVID Secure Planning Permission for 41 Homes in Southleigh Park, Havant

Hampshire-based Bargate Homes and parent-company VIVID have secured planning permission from Havant Borough Council for 41 new homes in the spectacular grounds of Southleigh Park, a former stately home and parkland in Havant, Hampshire.

Located to the north-west of Emsworth, between Bartons Road, Horndean Road and Eastleigh Road, the 7.8-acre site already benefits from planning permission for the conversion of the original Grade II-listed house, and associated listed buildings, into 20 new homes. The approved final scheme offers 61 homes in total, consisting of 41 new-build homes and 20 conversion homes.

The restoration and conversion works to the listed buildings will be facilitated by the new-build development, which has been carefully designed to ensure a harmonious relationship.

The proposals will see the retention of the majority of the existing trees on-site, alongside significant new tree planting, to allow residents and the wider community to enjoy a traditional parkland setting.

Mark White, Managing Director of Bargate Homes, said: “We are thrilled to receive planning permission for this uniquely exciting development within the grounds of Southleigh Park in Havant. We’ve spent years carefully adjusting the design to ensure mature trees are retained and the new homes are sympathetic with the heritage buildings, to both preserve and enhance the historical core of the site.

“This will be an outstanding development, not only for the new residents, but also for the established local community. Receiving unanimous approval from Havant Borough Council’s planning committee is another positive step for Bargate Homes to consistently deliver hundreds of new energy-efficient homes per year within Hampshire and the surrounding counties.”

The site was acquired by VIVID – one of the largest housing associations in the south of England – in 2019. Much of the site will comprise publicly accessible open space, including a formal lawn area immediately in front of Southleigh Park House, and informal walking routes beneath the canopies of retained mature trees, particularly those along the site’s boundaries. 

The new homes will range in size from one to four-bedrooms, all with EV charging points as standard. Vehicular access will be provided off Eastleigh Road, to the west.

Paths for pedestrians and cyclists will be added within the grounds, providing picturesque trails across the development, as well as routes from Horndean Road and Eastleigh Road, enabling sustainable access to destinations further afield.

The development will have three key character areas, with a variety of building types, consisting of Georgian villas and cottage-style homes, alongside the historic core. Resident and visitor parking spaces will be provided in accordance with local policy, with a range of driveways, on-plot garages, car barns, on-street bays and parking courts.

Southleigh Park is sited close to Rowlands Castle, Emsworth, and the South Downs National Park. The local railway station in Emsworth provides access to Brighton and Southampton, whilst the station at Havant runs between London Waterloo and Portsmouth Harbour. Car journeys to London can be easily accessed via the A3 and journeys to Brighton and Southampton can also be accessed via the A27, which leads to the M3 and the wider national motorway network.

Established in 2006, Bargate Homes builds select developments in prime locations within Hampshire, Dorset, and West Sussex. The company is currently delivering 900 homes across six live developments.