A new development of 85 homes on the edge of Petersfield will be an “aspirational location” for locals and newcomers to live.

That’s the belief of Dandara after detailed planning approval for its Buckmore Green development was granted last week by the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA).

The application to develop the site – originally allocated for custom or self-build housing – between Bell Hill, the A3 and Buckmore Farm was approved last Thursday by a planning committee in Midhurst.

Petersfield Town Council had expressed some concerns about access, drainage, open space arrangements and the change in housing type for the site.

But only two members opposed or abstained, with most lauding the scheme called “unmistakably Petersfield”.

Having gained approval, Dandara have reaffirmed what they believe their development will bring to Petersfield with 39 of the 85 homes being classified as affordable.

An above-average 45 per cent has been proposed with the figure including 13 homes for Discount to Open Market sale, 17 for affordable rent and nine for shared ownership to “help address a clear local need”.

More than 3.5 acres of green open space, footpath improvements, extensive native hedging and tree planting and a swale system are also proposed.

The applicants say the “high-spec” family homes will feature “strong environmental credentials” with Ben Fewsdale, managing director at Dandara Southern, insisting the site will be produced with “a keen eye on sustainability.”

He said: “Petersfield is an area where any housebuilder would want to deliver new homes given that the town and surrounding areas show demonstrable demand for family housing and a clear requirement for affordable homes.

“Situated on the edge of countryside yet only a twenty-minute walk from the town-centre, Buckmore Green will prove to be an aspirational location for anybody looking to move to, or within, the area.”