PLANS to build 750 homes and a primary school on land opposite Basingstoke Golf Club will be consulted on this month.

Wates Development Ltd is inviting the public to attend one of two consultation events in Basingstoke regarding its proposed housing development at Hounsome Fields, south west of Basingstoke.

The developers also hope to build a new primary school, community centre, sports facilities, children's nursery, shopping facilities and a multi-functional green space.

As previously reported in The Gazette, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council supported the idea of building homes at Hounsome Fields, on the A30 near Dummer, after agreeing to changes in the Local Plan.

Councillors on the borough's economic, planning and housing committee agreed to include Hounsome Fields in the Local Plan after planning inspector Mike Fox advised the council that it needs to build around 850 new homes a year, rather than 748, which was previously agreed.

However, campaigners from the South West Action Group (SWAG), believe that the site is "unsustainable".

On its website, the group states: "This was the first resort that the council seized when the inspector demanded an increase in the borough's housing targets. It's been shown to be the least sustainable site in Basingstoke, and is only in because the council seems determined not to either fight the imposed new numbers, consider proper brownfield alternatives, or force Hampshire County Council to release land to the east of the town that is far more sustainable."

Wates Development Ltd will hold two consultation events in the Beech Suite at Beechdown Meetings and Events Centre, in Winchester Road, Basingstoke on Friday, November 13 from 3pm to 8pm, and on Saturday, November 14 from 10am to 3pm.

The consultations will provide an opportunity to speak to the project team and provide feedback on the proposed development.