A Basingstoke and Deane Borough councillor (BDBC) has shown his support over the decision to approve Manydown online planning application, describing it as a "key milestone in Basingstoke's future".

Praise has poured in from councillors for the major 'green' housing development that will now see up to 3,200 homes built on land west of Basingstoke comes after the application was approved on Wednesday, July 8.

The garden community will see a 250-acre country park, two primary schools, land for a secondary school set aside, two local centres incorporating shops, cafes and restaurants, public open spaces as well as gypsy and traveller pitches.

Located between Winklebury, Wooton St Lawrence and the B3400, there will initially be 3,200 homes built, and that could rise to as many as 3,520.

And 40 per cent of the homes built will also be affordable, and the scheme will be delivered in three, two-part phases.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough councillor, John Izett, in charge of Burghclere, Highclere, and St Mary Bourne wards, said: “It is brilliant news for the people of Basingstoke that planning permission for the new community at Manydown has finally been secured. 

"The process to get us to this point has taken too long but I am confident that the result will be a better designed, more sustainable and successful place to live. 

“This is a key milestone in Basingstoke’s future, providing much-needed homes in sustainable and green communities where people will want to live, as well as benefits for the whole borough.

"It will combine the best of 21st century design with features of much loved older places and be built on garden town principles that respect its environment. 

"This is a nationally significant project and that it will be an important part of the economic recovery creating hundreds of jobs.”

Leader of Hampshire County Council, cllr Keith Mans, said: “The county council is committed to ensuring that families in Hampshire have access to good quality and sustainable housing, schools and community facilities to enable them and future generations to live well and thrive. 

"We believe that Manydown will set the standard in this regard, and we are very pleased to be working alongside Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to make these plans a reality.”