A village kept small on purpose
Planning policy has long restricted development in the gap between Southampton and Chandler's Ford in order to stop the two areas merging into one another, and Chilworth sits right in the middle of that protected gap. That restriction on development has helped keep the village relatively small and, as a result, sought-after.
Home to a university science park
The University of Southampton Science Park is based in Chilworth, sitting alongside the village's more traditional housing — an unusual mix of research campus and rural village within a few minutes' walk of each other.
Test Valley Borough Council, and checking any green-gap constraints
Planning here is handled by Test Valley Borough Council. Because of the green-gap protection in this area, it's worth checking whether any additional planning constraints apply to your specific property before assuming a garden room will fall entirely under standard permitted development.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Chilworth feel different from nearby Chandler's Ford?+
Planning policy has deliberately restricted development in the gap between Southampton and Chandler's Ford, which is part of why Chilworth has stayed a smaller, more rural village despite being close to both.
Which council covers Chilworth?+
Test Valley Borough Council covers Chilworth, the same authority that covers Romsey.
Nearby areas
Services
Useful local links
- Test Valley Borough Council — Planning Permission and Pre-Application Advice — The local planning authority for Romsey and most of the surrounding villages covered by this site.
- New Forest District Council — Planning Guidance for Householders — Covers Totton, Testwood and Calmore for planning purposes.
- Southampton City Council — Planning Permission — The separate unitary authority covering the city of Southampton.
- New Forest National Park Authority — Planning — The local planning authority for land within the New Forest National Park, including Copythorne and Newbridge.
- Planning Portal — Outbuildings — National guidance on permitted development for garden buildings.