CONSERVATIONISTS have called on Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to consider the environmental impact of a potential housing development in Bramley.

Members of the cabinet recommended on March 5 that the Upper Cufaude Farm Development Brief Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) to go forward to full council.

The document will help guide the future development of the greenfield site.

In the SPD, the allocation covers approximately 26 hectares of land and is capable of accommodating approximately 390 homes and associated community infrastructure.

Cabinet member for planning and infrastructure at the borough council, Councillor Mark Ruffell, said: “This Upper Cufaude Farm Development Brief provides an opportunity to add detail to the planning policy framework provided by the Local Plan and gives the council greater control in shaping and establishing a vision for the development of the site.

“It sets out guidance that will help to ensure the delivery of a high quality development.”

However, Hampshire-based historian Andrew Cleave addressed the cabinet saying that Cufaude Lane has a large amphibian population, with the road particularly being used as a “toad crossing.”

Addressing the cabinet Mr Cleave said: “My concern with the document as it is, is the impact that it is going to have on amphibians.

“As I speak now, we have a group of volunteers out there monitoring the roads and making sure we no longer see toads being squashed by vehicles.”

He added: “The amphibian population is on a downward slope and we have had Doctor Mark Avery and Chris Packham join us to see the issue.”

Cabinet member for planning and infrastructure at the borough council, Councillor Mark Ruffell, welcomed the feedback from Mr Cleave and fellow speaker Paul Beavers.

Cllr Ruffell said: “What these volunteers are recording is a serious environmental issue that needs to be addressed.

“We do need the SPD to make sure things are moving forward, but what we should do is allow Andrew Cleave and Paul Beavers to make further representation when this issue goes to full council, so their views are heard loud and clear.”

This SPD does not include new policies but identifies more detailed development principles, such as including a mix of homes and community facilities to deliver a mixed and sustainable community, adequate transport and access and ensuring quality in environmental heritage and design terms.

The SPD was recommenced for adoption to full council which will be debated on March 28.

For more details on the Upper Cufaude Farm development, go to ldfconsult.basingstoke.gov.uk/portal/fpt/spd/ucfdb_1.