Dowd's Farm

A Brief History.

Dowd’s Farm was owned and managed by Miss White until her death in 2000 when the Farmhouse (a grade 2 listed building) and its land was bequeathed to the Salvation Army. The farmland, already surrounded by urban development, was identified as a site suitable for housing and community facilities development. After a public consultation a design brief was adopted by the Borough Council in December 2002.

An outline planning consent was permitted in December 2003 for housing on the condition that a new primary school, a large park and provision for a community building were included in the development.

The site is now owned by Bovis Homes Ltd and Taylor Woodrow Developments who are planning to build up to 765 dwellings in a series of phased developments over the next few years. Work has already commenced on building the road and infrastructure at Dowd’s Farm and the first few housing units are planned for completion by Christmas 2006 with the final completions being summer 2010. In addition, highway improvements on Tollbar Way including a new roundabout at the Western end of Maunsell Way are well advanced.

Hampshire County Council are to start construction of a new primary school in 2007, due to open in 2008. This school will cater for families moving into the new housing, and surrounding area, and will be located in the centre of the development to enable easy access. The Salvation Army has expressed interest in developing a community building adjacent to the new school which could include the current farm buildings. They are still developing their thoughts and plans but would be aiming to open a staffed community centre with meeting rooms, cafe and multi-use hall in 2007/8. They will be seeking ideas and views from local residents on what is required in this community facility over the next few months. The final decision on the community provision will be jointly made by the Salvation Army and Borough Council.

The Northern portion of the site, approximately 16 acres of undulating farmland and woodland, has been earmarked for parkland. This will be the biggest district park laid out in the Borough for many years and we are keen to ensure that local people of all ages are involved in its design and layout. The local community’s views have been sought on the park and its detailed design - including location of play facilities, picnic and seating areas, laying out footpaths, links to Grange Park. The views collected through a recent public exhibition have been collated and will form the basis of a Design Development Brief for the District Park. pdf   

The Master Plan  pdf shows the site in more detail together with plot address and postal address information.

Dowd's Farm has had many Planning Applications over the years and these can be viewed here.