CAMPAIGNERS are urging residents to object to plans to build 40 homes in Cliddesden.

Members of Cliddesden Action Group (CAG) are calling for people to email Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council (BDBC) to reject proposals by developer Thakeham Homes to build 24 private homes and 16 affordable homes in South Meadow.

The proposed site for the development lies to the east of Farleigh Road at the northern end of the village.

The plans, which also include adding associated parking, landscaping, amenity space and highway alterations, have already been opposed by Cliddesden Parish Council, after 75 residents attended a parish council meeting on the subject.

Alan Tyler, a member of Cliddesden Action Group, said the group was concerned any development could “swamp the village” as the proposed site is on a flood plain.

Mr Tyler said: “The village is a small village with some 300 people.

“A development like this would add more than 30 per cent to our population and when the site itself was looked at by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council when creating the housing plan, it was rejected by councillors.

“They said it would be out of scale and potentially harm the conservation area.”

He added: “The particular field the building would be on has been a flood plain for the last 100 years and it floods here probably about 20 times a year.

“We’re not against development, it’s just this development is in the wrong place.”

So far a petition has collected 215 signatures, which was delivered to BDBC offices on Friday.

An online campaign also gathered a further 160 objections.

Thakeham Homes’ application said: “Out of the comments received the majority raised concerns regarding local traffic conditions, the lack of suitable drainage and other infrastructure, flooding and the impact on the character and appearance of the area. The issues raised have all been considered and have helped to inform the layout as it has evolved.”

Residents and interested parties are being urged to send objections to BDBC’s planning department by January 20.

These can be sent to lucy.page@basingstoke.gov.uk or planning.comments@basingstoke.gov.uk.