A CONTROVERSIAL plan to build 200 homes on Overton’s Great North Field has been submitted to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

Dandara Limited has submitted an outline planning application for the development of up to 200 new homes, as well as car parking, open space and a pedestrian link to Overton railway station.

According to the application, the developer is planning to build 30 four-bedroom homes, 69 three-bedroom homes, 90 two-bedroom homes and 11 one-bedroom properties.

In addition, Dandara plans to build a "homeworking hub" – a workspace facility for local residents, which will be set up in the ground floor of an apartment block, and a plot of land at the south west corner of the site will be allocated for use by Overton Church of England Primary School.

The application says the home-working hub was an idea suggested by local residents during public consultation because of the “high level of homeworking” in Overton.

The facility would include high speed Wi-Fi, a selection of sofas, desks, individual working stations and small meeting rooms alongside tea and coffee making facilities.

If the plan is approved, the hub would be open between 7am and 7pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am and 6pm on Saturdays.

The application reads: “In providing a mix of much-needed high quality residential accommodation, the development will create an attractive and sustainable living environment that integrates both physically and socially with the village.

in terms of accesses, amenities and character.

“The layout and form of the development supports crime prevention and community safety with all housing units overlooking public spaces and streets.

“It is believed that the development, as well as offering an opportunity for older residents to downsize and remain in the locality if they so wish, will attract new, younger and economically active residents who will help revitalise the community and sustain local shops and services.”

A decision on the application is expected by December 25.