MAJOR plans to build 750 new homes in Basingstoke have been given the green light by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

Last night members of the development control committee approved the new £90million development at the Hounsome Fields site, which is situated on land off Trenchard Lane near Dummer.

Along with hundreds new homes, the plans also include a school, nursery, shopping facilities, and a four court multi-use games area to be constructed next to the A30, as part of the borough council's adopted Local Plan.

Caroline McDade from Deloitte real estate, who represented the agents at the meeting, said: "Hounsome Fields is important in terms of providing much needed housing and community facilities for the growth plans for south west Basingstoke."

The plans were granted despite many objections from residents and parish councillors. 

Dummer Parish Councillor Julian Jones said: "This has always been an unsustainable and unsuitable site for major housing development. 

"It will result in an isolated development due to its separation from the built form of Basingstoke and it does not relate well to the existing site."

Ward councillor for Hatch Warren and Beggarwood, Cllr Terri Reid asked the meeting to ensure key infrastructure is provided. 

She said:"The infrastructure deficit has to be addressed. We must have hard infrastructure such as improved roads, schools, surgeries and community provisions put in place.

"We need to make sure the infrastructure provides a good quality of life for the people moving into Hounsome Fields." 

For the full article see next Thursday's Gazette.