RESIDENTS in Chineham have been taking a close-up look at plans to build 150 new homes near the Hampshire International Business Park.

As reported on the Gazette website basingstokegazette. co.uk, Pal Properties Limited and Savills are planning to submit an application to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council for outline planning permission to build up to 150 new homes on land at the edge of the business park, in Crockford Lane.

And local residents got to have a look at the plans at a public exhibition held at the Christ Church, in Reading Road, Chineham.

Chris Rees, a director at Savills, was also on hand to answer any questions and address any concerns that were raised on the day.

According to Pal Properties and Savills, the land being proposed for a site for the new homes has been marketed as office space, but has received little or no interest to date.

Mr Rees said: “Over 60 people attended the event which was a helpful forum to understand the views of the parish council, local residents and the business community in more detail.

“We will now resume discussions with the borough council and the service providers regarding the future planning application, drawing on information we have learned from the consultation event.”

But Councillor Martin Biermann, Independent member for the Chineham ward, told The Gazette: “We have a doctor’s surgery where it is getting longer for an appointment because more people are coming from Taylor’s Farm, and it is going to get worse if another 150 homes are built there.”