A FARM near Hartley Wintney could make way for up to 100 new homes.

Developer Bewley Homes has taken the first step towards plans for between 70 and 100 homes at Rifle Range Farm, in Fleet Road.

The request for “screening opinion” is to see whether the developer needs to have a formal assessment of the effect development could have on the local environment, before a full planning application is put forward.

In December 2010, Hart District Council included the land in its strategic housing land availability assessment – a list of possible sites for houses.

The application from Bewley Homes reads: “The proposed development comprises the construction of 70 to 100 residential dwellings on the site known as Rifle Range Farm.

“The site will be developed with a range of densities that accords with best practice design principles and reflects the existing residential development in the surrounding area.”

It adds that an environmental impact assessment should not be required because the 3.5hectares are not in a sensitive area.

Leah Coney, clerk at Hartley Wintney Parish Council, said that while the council has been consulted, technical experts would be needed to decide on the screening opinion application.

Hart will make a decision by Thursday, December 20.