BASINGSTOKE will benefit from 2,500 new homes and 2,500 new jobs if plans for a new environmentally-conscious housing development are given the go-ahead.

That is the message from the figureheads behind Lord Lymington’s proposed project to build “genuinely affordable housing” on his 302hectre estate which lies to the south of Basingstoke and has been in his family for 600 years. 

The Upper Swallick garden village plans have been met with fierce opposition from residents in nearby Cliddesden who fear proposals will affect their views of the beautiful countryside and could impact house prices. So far, 6,500 people have signed a petition against the development. 

But Lord Lymington has said he wants to address the housing crisis in Basingstoke. 

Lord Oliver Lymington, the custodian of Portsmouth Estates and chair of the board of trustees, said it is ‘vital’ that, if approved, the garden village addresses the current housing shortage while providing jobs for the local economy. 

Basingstoke Gazette: The farmland has been in Lord Lymington's family for 600 years The farmland has been in Lord Lymington's family for 600 years

The swathes of farmland, to the south of the M3, have been in Lord Lymington’s family for 600 years. 

When asked by The Gazette what was the motivation behind the proposals and if it was about money, a spokesman for the estate said it was about “creating a legacy” for generations to come.

They estimated as many as 2,500 new jobs could be created with key infrastructure, such as a new school and shops, being factored into their proposals. 

Lord Lymington said: “It is imperative that we create a true legacy development - something that my great, great-grandchildren and their fellow Basingstoke and Deane residents will look to and be proud of.”

“I also recognise that a new garden community must have a greater impact than just its effect on the Portsmouth Estate. The legacy must also be of genuine benefit to both existing and future communities. It must be inclusive in nature, give meaningful value and opportunity to all ages and provide a diversity of homes and tenure in a manner that satisfies local need.” 

Basingstoke Gazette: Campaigners fear they will lose their beautiful views and it will affect house prices Campaigners fear they will lose their beautiful views and it will affect house prices

As previously reported, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has a housing shortage and along with other authorities, is under pressure from the government to act.

The council is currently reviewing its Local Plan which will eventually be sent to the secretary of state, Robert Jenrick MP, for approval. 

Speaking to The Gazette, Lord Lymington said: “As the council’s Local Plan update is in its early stages of consideration, I now believe it is the right time for the estate to commit to doing its part to help with the current housing supply and affordability crisis, facing both younger and older generations. There have to be benefits for all the residents of the borough in what we aim to do. 

He continued: “However, in meeting that crisis I believe that we must not sacrifice build quality, beautiful architecture and healthy placemaking. A significant proportion of the proposal will act as green infrastructure, many trees and hedgerows will be retained, enhanced and augmented to help retain the current rural character.”

“We will also provide an audited net gain in biodiversity. My wish is to raise the bar in what we can provide and help meet other current challenges we face, especially in relation to the Climate Emergency, living in a post-Covid pandemic world, and providing a diversity in not just the choice of homes available, but how and when they will be delivered.”

Basingstoke Gazette: More than 6,500 residents have signed a petition against proposals though Lord Lymington says it is vital that the housing crisis in Basingstoke is addressed More than 6,500 residents have signed a petition against proposals though Lord Lymington says it is vital that the housing crisis in Basingstoke is addressed

As previously reported by The Gazette, proposals have been met with opposition from residents in neighbouring villages. 

Its petiton, listed on Change.org, reads: "The North Hampshire Downs need to be protected for the benefit of all the Basingstoke and surrounding communities. The speculative concept of "Upper Swallick Garden Village" is inappropriate on this beautiful Downland. Please do not include this site in the new Local Plan.

"'Upper Swallick' would cover an area the size of central Basingstoke, consisting of at least 2,500 houses in stunning countryside south of Basingstoke.

"It would engulf the village of Cliddesden and have a devastating effect on Ellisfield, Winslade and all the surrounding villages as well as ruining easy access to the countryside from Brighton Hill and Hatch Warren. 

"The rolling hills of the North Hampshire Downs are appreciated and loved by all who enjoy walking, running and cycling along the lanes and footpaths that cover this beautiful landscape. This area is the "Lungs" of Basingstoke. The long views, fresh air and contact with nature and the seasons are important to our mental and physical wellbeing.

"Traffic levels would rise to unacceptable levels on the A339, B3046 to the Candovers and roads through Brighton Hill and Hatch Warren accessing Basingstoke. Rat runs would be created on smaller roads leading to Junctions 5, 6 and 7 of the M3. 

"The land is farmed and should remain as farmland, it plays an important role providing food, flood protection and carbon capture, helping to prevent climate change, sustain the environment and supporting great biodiversity.

"Once this farmland is gone, it is gone."

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