THIS picture shows an artist’s impression of what the centre of the 2,000-acre Manydown development could look like.

The vision has been drawn up by planning development experts Beyond Green, which has been appointed by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Hampshire County Council to illustrate how the new development could shape up.

Manydown is earmarked for the development of 3,400 homes during the borough’s Local Plan period. The Local Plan, which needs to be approved by a Government planning inspector, will guide where houses are built in the borough up until 2029. A final decision on the Local Plan is not expected until spring 2015.

The aim of the borough council is to create attractive, sustainable and well connected settlements in Manydown and the plans are designed around a “walkable neighbourhood” which will see the majority of homes located within a five-minute walk of convenience stores and bus stops.

A wide range of housing types are being proposed for the development, including apartments, town houses, semi-detached and detached houses and it will also include extra-care homes and residential care facilities.

In addition to the Manydown development, a new country park is proposed on adjacent land to the north of Manydown, in Wootton St Lawrence.

Residents and local groups will be involved in the future development vision and will have the chance to contribute their views during extensive public consultation which is planned after the Local Plan is decided in 2015.

Councillor John Izett, cabinet member for property, finance and commissioning at the borough council, said: “Manydown is so important to the future of the borough, and that is why so much thought and effort has gone into putting together the principles and ideas.

“The vision shows we are not proposing to parcel up land for volume housebuilders to build housing estates. We are committed for the long term to ensure that we are creating a successful community for the future.

“I hope that the vision will win the support of the people of Basingstoke, and I encourage them to get involved.”

The vision is due to be discussed by borough councillors at the first meeting of the new Manydown overview and scrutiny committee on March 24.