THE process of drawing up a masterplan and planning application for thousands of homes at Manydown has started – and the public has been urged to help.

The northern part of the site, which borders the western side of Basingstoke, has been earmarked for 3,400 new homes in Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s draft local plan, a blueprint for future housing development which is currently being scrutinised by a government inspector.

Other features for the site, which is jointly owned by the borough council and Hampshire County Council, include a new primary school and community centre.

There may also be scope for people to build their own homes on the site, in accordance with some design guidelines, although the borough council said it is working with the government on a feasibility study to “better understand the potential”.

The borough council said detailed plans need to be ready in the event the local plan is approved, with the aim of submitting an outline planning application by the end of next year.

It is keen to involve the public in drawing up designs for the plan, and plans to hold a four-day “design enquiry” in November where people can tell planners what they would like to see built.

Councillor John Izett, Cabinet member leading on Manydown, said: “We have a great opportunity at Manydown, as well as a responsibility as public owners, to create a new community where people will want to live and which is well connected to and brings benefits to neighbouring communities and respects the local environment.

“It is central to our thinking and approach that local people will be involved in helping shape Manydown.

“There needs to be a choice of housing with roads, schools, open spaces and other amenities in place.

“Both councils are committed to Manydown for the long term and wish to ensure a successful new community grows up founded on well planned, energy efficient homes that are built to last and to be loved in the years ahead.”

Councillor Roy Perry, leader of Hampshire County Council, said: “We are pleased to be working with our partner landowners Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council on the delivery of the proposed new community at Manydown.

“Although we are not the planning authority, Hampshire County Council is committed to supporting those district and borough councils who face the difficult task of planning new and sustainable housing.

“A huge amount of thought and planning is going into this scheme and I hope local people will take the opportunity to have their say when the moment comes.”

The borough council have also revealed which companies it has employed to work on the Manydown development. They consist of London-based Beyond Green Development Ltd, Winchester-based marketing and communication agency Remarkable Group, London-based planning firm Tibbalds Campbell Reith JV, Scottish law firm Pinsent Mason, Glasgow-based property agency GVA Grimley, professional services firm KPMG, and Aecom, which will present the development at the local plan public inquiry.