Test Valley includes Andover, Romsey, and Stockbridge. Planning focuses on market towns, villages, and rural areas. Known for heritage buildings, historic streets, and scenic villages, planning balances residential, commercial, and conversion projects with conservation. We can advise and support projects throughout Test Valley.
In the last year Test Valley decided 1,015 applications which is broadly in line with the national average of 988. The approval rate was 93% (marginally above the national average of 88%) and 69% of applications were decided on time, (significantly above the national average of 59%). Stats updated March 2026 from gov. sources. See how Test Valley performs relative to other LPAs in our LPA hub.
Test Valley includes areas classed as Open Countryside, generally encompassing land beyond settlements and Green Belt zones, often used for agriculture or left as natural landscapes. Development in these areas is tightly controlled, with standard residential proposals rarely permitted.
Test Valley includes the North Wessex Downs and River Test corridor, with sensitive countryside where new development is restricted.
One of the top reasons poorly prepared proposals in the Open Countryside are refused is that they fail to demonstrate a policy-supported need. To minimise that risk with bespoke advice contact us here.
Nutrient Neutrality ensures new developments do not increase harmful nitrogen or phosphorus levels in sensitive waterways. Test Valley faces a dual constraint from the Solent nitrogen catchment and the River Avon phosphorus catchment, with different neutrality requirements applying to different parts of the district depending on which watercourse they drain to. Unfortunately, Nutrient Neutrality can halt development completely. If you need early-stage, project-specific advice contact us here.
Alongside acting as Planning Consultants we are ARB registered architects with 25+ years of experience. We use the following proven work stages to guide clients in Test Valley through the planning process in order to maximise the potential of their development :
We work collaboratively with clients and shape a design that respects local character and meets Planning Policy requirements in order to maximise your chances of winning Planning Permission.
Test Valley includes Andover, Romsey, and Stockbridge. Planning focuses on market towns, villages, and rural areas. Known for heritage buildings, historic streets, and scenic villages, planning balances residential, commercial, and conversion projects with conservation. We can advise and support projects throughout Test Valley.
In the last year Test Valley decided 1,015 applications which is broadly in line with the national average of 988. The approval rate was 93% (marginally above the national average of 88%) and 69% of applications were decided on time, (significantly above the national average of 59%). Stats updated March 2026 from gov. sources. See how Test Valley performs relative to other LPAs in our LPA hub.
Test Valley includes areas classed as Open Countryside, generally encompassing land beyond settlements and Green Belt zones, often used for agriculture or left as natural landscapes. Development in these areas is tightly controlled, with standard residential proposals rarely permitted.
Test Valley includes the North Wessex Downs and River Test corridor, with sensitive countryside where new development is restricted.
One of the top reasons poorly prepared proposals in the Open Countryside are refused is that they fail to demonstrate a policy-supported need. To minimise that risk with bespoke advice contact us here.
Nutrient Neutrality ensures new developments do not increase harmful nitrogen or phosphorus levels in sensitive waterways. Test Valley faces a dual constraint from the Solent nitrogen catchment and the River Avon phosphorus catchment, with different neutrality requirements applying to different parts of the district depending on which watercourse they drain to. Unfortunately, Nutrient Neutrality can halt development completely. If you need early-stage, project-specific advice contact us here.
Alongside acting as Planning Consultants we are ARB registered architects with 25+ years of experience. We use the following proven work stages to guide clients in Test Valley through the planning process in order to maximise the potential of their development :
We work collaboratively with clients and shape a design that respects local character and meets Planning Policy requirements in order to maximise your chances of winning Planning Permission.
