A PLAN to build 550 new homes in Hook has been put forward – just as a village leader is raising fresh house-building concerns with the local MP.

Croudace Strategic Ltd and David Wilson Homes Southern have submitted their long-awaited plan for 95 acres of land to the north east of Hook.

The plan involves the demolition of farm cottages and the building of the homes and three access points from London Road, Reading Road and Griffin Way North.

It also includes building sports pitches on the site, a community building with changing facilities and green spaces with play areas for children.

The plan, submitted to Hart District Council, reads: “The development would deliver a wide range of family dwellings (including up to 40 per cent affordable housing) in a high-quality environment which is both distinctive and responsive to the local character of the area.

“The development would contribute towards maintaining the vitality and viability of Hook through the provision of new and improved facilities, benefiting both new residents and the wider community.”

Hart planning chiefs aim to give their verdict on the outline planning application by July 7.

Meanwhile Iain Chalmers, chairman of Hook Parish Council, has written to James Arbuthnot, MP for North East Hampshire, about increased development in the village, which he called “unfair and wrong”.

He said that last year’s rejection of Hart’s Local Plan – its blueprint for future development – has led to an “open season” for developers, attrac-ted to the village by its good road and rail links.

Cllr Chalmers wrote: “We believe the sum total of the applications that have already been received, together with those expected within a few weeks, are simply unsustainable.

“Our community does not have the infrastructure to support what would amount to about a 22 per cent increase in population in the time-scales envisaged.”

He called on Mr Arbuthnot to raise the “weaknesses” of the planning system with the relevant ministers in Government, and to pressure them to ensure that planning officers at Hart can still use the failed Local Plan when considering planning applications.