Part of the government’s plan to build a further 83,000 houses in Hampshire by 2026 includes the development of 6,000 new houses in a new community to be built north of Hedge End.

There will be a school, shops, employment opportunities, community and sports facilities as well as open spaces, but there is much opposition to the plan.

The Botley Parish Action Group (BPAG) argues that nowhere near this number of new houses is needed in the area, that it’s the wrong place to put them in any case, and would destroy the character and identity of existing communities. They also doubt that the infrastructure necessary to support this mini-town can be created.

Tony Wright, the Planning Policy and Design Manager at Eastleigh Borough Council, said, ‘The formal position is that we are opposed to the Strategic Development Plan but the Council now recognises that it’s a firm proposal within the South East Plan and as such the Borough Council together with Winchester City Council will be undertaking feasibility testing work on the proposal over the next 18 months or so.’

What are you views?

What about the effect on water and sewerage services?

It’s planned that 30-40 percent of the development will be affordable housing, but green fields and countryside will disappear.

The MP for Eastleigh, Chris Huhne, spoke in Parliament last week of homes being ‘blighted if their pleasant rural setting is developed as a new town.’ He also complained that the planning process had let down constituents.

Do you feel your voice has not been heard? The BPAG says that there has been insufficient consultation with the local communities.

Do you know enough about the plan?

PUSH, the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire, has details of the development, along with Eastleigh Borough Council who promise plenty of public consultation within the next months.

Post your comments on the development here at Hedgeendpeople – whether you’re for or against the scheme, tell Hedge End your views.