Early stage plans for a new 2,500 home "garden community" in Basingstoke have been revealed.

Last week, Viscount Lymington and the Trustees of the Portsmouth Settled Estates submitted a concept document to Basingstoke and Deane Council which outlines its goal to create thousands of homes on estate land around Farleigh Wallop.

A message from the proposal read: "To be known as 'Upper Swallick Garden Community' the concept document proposes up to 2,500 homes, retail and employment and associated infrastructure.

"This garden community differs from conventional developments in that the proposal is on land under the sole ownership of the Estate, and therefore gives freedom and choice as to the type of development proposed that is not always available elsewhere."

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Oliver Lymington is the current custodian of Portsmouth Estates.

In a message attached to the concept document he wrote that they have a "moral obligation to do our part to help ease the housing crisis".

"Not only do I care passionately about the built environment but I also hope that my family will live here for the centuries to come," he added.

"It is therefore imperative that we create a true legacy development – something that my great great grandchildren and their fellow Basingstoke and Deane residents will look at and be proud of.

"I also recognise that a new garden community must have a greater impact than just its effect on the Portsmouth Estate.

"The legacy must also be of genuine benefit to both existing and future communities.

"It must be inclusive in nature, give meaningful value and opportunity to all ages and provide a diversity of homes and tenure in a manner that satisfies local need."

Basingstoke Gazette:

The proposed area where the garden community would be built

The document made sure to emphasise that these proposals are at an "extremely early stage" and subject to the council’s review of the Local Plan.

It added that the likely timescale for the commencement of delivery of Upper Swallick Garden Community should approval be given is 2025/26 with final completions to be secured by 2045/46.

"The development of the garden community will be guided by a design philosophy which will primarily focus on green infrastructure; including open spaces, recreation and leisure and formal and informal landscaping," the document conculded.

"This will facilitate social well-being and be funded and managed by a community trust made up of residents and employers who live, work and recreate in the community.

"The garden community will have a heart supported by a new high street with a range of businesses, places to eat and drink and local services to support the day to day needs of the settlement. It will also deliver new employment opportunities to provide the catalyst for further economic growth and investment.

"Educational, health and transportation infrastructure will be significantly upgraded to ensure the community is fully sustainable.

"These are all achievable goals built on our wish to work collaboratively with Basingstoke and Deane Council, and with Hampshire County Council, as the Councils seek to achieve their strategic plans and address the declared Climate Emergency.

"This proposal presents an exciting prospect to help the Borough plan and secure a sustainable solution to meet our social and economic needs but also – importantly – to deliver a truly long-lasting positive legacy for future generations."

A statement from the Cliddesden Parish Council added: "Since news of this proposed development broke late last week, we as the Parish Council have received numerous objections from residents of the village.

"As a council we are totally against the loss of valuable countryside in this manner and we will continue to work with all parties to ensure the residents of Cliddesden have a voice going forwards."