A NEW supermarket could be built in Hook in the next four years as part of a housing masterplan by Hart District Council.

The draft Local Plan, which earmarks 600 new homes for the village, states that “convenience retailing would be considered suitable”, providing it does not harm the village centre.

Councillor Jonathan Glen, who represents Hook at Hart District Council, told The Gazette this could take the form of a supermarket.

He said: “I do know there is a major supermarket chain that has got options on the land right on the corner of the A30 and B3349. Certainly people would prefer to have a supermarket there than more housing.”

Daryl Phillips, corporate director at the district council, told The Gazette: “We are thinking about a supermarket and looking for it to be built in the next four years.”

The village currently has a Tesco supermarket in Station Road, as well as convenience stores in the village centre.

The concept of having another supermarket was also discussed at the latest meeting of Hook Parish Council.

Parish clerk Anne Atkins said: “We were supportive of that concept. Certainly there would be employment benefits and the alternative is 180 more homes.”

Other features included in the draft plan include additional sport pitches, the provision of land for a “community facility” and infrastructure improvements.

The document sets out the district council’s vision for development until 2029, with 2,301 homes planned.

Land between Griffin Way North and London Road in Hook has been earmarked for 500 new homes, with 100 more coming from the “rest of Hook”.

Hartley Wintney will take 220 homes while Odiham and North Warnborough will get 180.

The Cabinet were due to discuss the plans last night.