TRAFFIC was the main concern when villagers had a close look at plans for 500 houses and a supermarket in Hook.

The two-day public exhibition saw more than 400 people come to Hook Community Centre, in Ravenscroft.

As reported in The Gazette, Hart District Council earmarked land to the north east of Hook for a development which will include a supermarket.

The site is at the junction of the B3349 Griffin Way North and A30 London Road.

Representatives from joint developers Croudace Strategic and David Wilson Homes, as well as from Sainsbury’s, were on hand to answer questions.

Paul Pankhurst, a civil engineer from Oak Tree Drive, was not impressed with the plans, and said development would lead to noise pollution and traffic problems.

The 29-year-old added: “I have real concerns that this number of houses will have a detrimental effect on our already overstretched facilities.”

Mandy Lancashire, 49, of Ravenscroft, said: “Since we moved here, we have always known that that land would be built on. But the traffic is bad now, what’s it going to be like when all this is built?”

Laurence Whitehouse, of Night-ingale Gardens, also had reservations about the traffic, but on balance, he welcomed the proposals.

The 68-year-old said: “I think it’s a good idea that Hook has another store to compete with Tesco. I think Hart has to have some more development.”

Martin Harrop, planning manager at Croudace Strategic, said the effect on traffic was the main issue for residents.

He added: “This whole process is about taking on board people’s views.

“Our highways team will have to look at all the points made. It’s certainly been a very good turnout.”

No planning application has yet been submitted for the site, although the district council previously told The Gazette that a supermarket could be built there within the next four years.