Planning Consultants in Andover, Romsey & Test Valley
Test Valley stretches from the North Wessex Downs above Andover, through the chalk valley of the River Test around Stockbridge, to Romsey and the edge of the New Forest. It is one of Hampshire's most rural boroughs, with large farms, estates and equestrian businesses, and its Revised Local Plan (2016) applies while the council prepares a new plan.
Common in Andover, Romsey & Test Valley
Local planning authority: Test Valley Borough Council (New Forest National Park Authority within the National Park)
Rural and Farm Planning in Test Valley
We advise farmers, estates, landowners and rural businesses across Test Valley, including Andover, Romsey, Stockbridge, Kings Somborne, Broughton, Over Wallop, Middle Wallop, Chilbolton and the Test and Dun valleys.
Test Valley Borough Council applies its Revised Local Plan 2011–2029, adopted in 2016. Work on a Local Plan 2042 reached a revised draft in 2025, and the council has since said it will focus its plan making on the new system. The Government withdrew its decision on Hampshire's local government reorganisation in September 2026 and is reviewing it.
The north of the borough is in the North Wessex Downs National Landscape, and the south-west corner is in the New Forest National Park. New homes in the south of the borough usually need nutrient mitigation for the Solent's protected sites. There is no Green Belt, so countryside policy decides most rural proposals. We help with agricultural buildings, Class Q and Class R conversions, rural workers' dwellings, equestrian yards, farm shops and holiday lets.
Planning Services in Andover, Romsey & Test Valley
Urban Vista Planning provides the full range of planning consultancy services to clients across Andover, Romsey & Test Valley — from homeowners and landowners to developers and businesses. Our Chartered Town Planners are MRTPI-accredited and experienced in dealing with the planning authorities operating in Andover, Romsey & Test Valley.
- Planning permission applications
- Pre-application advice
- Planning appeals
- Permitted development assessments
- Lawful Development Certificates
- Change of use applications
- Heritage and listed building consent
- Ecology & Biodiversity Net Gain
- Highways and transport assessments
- Infrastructure consenting
- Equestrian and rural planning
- Discharge of planning conditions
Why Urban Vista Planning?
MRTPI & MCIHT Accredited
Our Chartered Town Planners and specialist associates are accredited and regulated by their professional bodies, including the RTPI and CIHT.
UK-Wide Coverage
We advise clients across England and Wales, including Andover, Romsey & Test Valley, from our offices in Taplow (Buckinghamshire), Leeds, and Hereford.
Free Initial Consultation
We provide an honest initial view of your project — what is achievable, the best consenting route, and likely timescales — at no charge.
Full-Service Consultancy
We manage the entire planning process: application preparation, specialist coordination, authority engagement, and conditions discharge.
Key Planning Constraints in Andover, Romsey & Test Valley
These designations and policy issues shape what can be built in Andover, Romsey & Test Valley. Identifying them early is the single most effective way to avoid delay, invalid applications and refusal.
North Wessex Downs National Landscape
The downland north of Andover is nationally protected, raising the bar for design and landscape impact.
River Test
The Test is a nationally important chalk stream, and development in its valley must protect water quality and the landscape.
Solent nutrient mitigation
New homes in the south of the borough usually need nutrient mitigation for the Solent's protected sites.
New Forest National Park
The south-west corner of the borough is in the National Park, where the National Park Authority decides applications.
Infrastructure & Energy Planning in Andover, Romsey & Test Valley
Test Valley is crossed by the A303 and A34, with large farms, estates and military land around Andover and Middle Wallop. We advise on rural infrastructure, reservoirs, access and transport consenting.
Planning in Andover, Romsey & Test Valley: FAQs
Which council deals with planning applications in Andover, Romsey & Test Valley?
Planning applications in Andover, Romsey & Test Valley are determined by the local planning authority for the site — Test Valley Borough Council (New Forest National Park Authority within the National Park). Where a site lies within a National Park, the National Park Authority is the planning authority instead.
What are the main planning constraints in Andover, Romsey & Test Valley?
Key constraints in Andover, Romsey & Test Valley include North Wessex Downs National Landscape; River Test; Solent nutrient mitigation; New Forest National Park. We identify which apply to your site at the outset so they can be addressed in the application rather than discovered during determination.
Do you advise on infrastructure and energy projects in Andover, Romsey & Test Valley?
Test Valley is crossed by the A303 and A34, with large farms, estates and military land around Andover and Middle Wallop. We advise on rural infrastructure, reservoirs, access and transport consenting.
Other Areas We Cover in the South East
Need a Planning Consultant in Andover, Romsey & Test Valley?
Book a free initial consultation — we will give you a clear view of your options and the best route forward.