A PLAN to build 2,500 homes in countryside to the south of Basingstoke has been dealt a major blow after the council determined there were "fundamental concerns".

The controversial Upper Swallick development, which is being put forward by the land's owner Portsmouth Estates, could bring thousands of new homes to the area surrounding Cliddesden.

It was first proposed last summer, with campaigners and neighbouring councillors since hitting out at the plans.

But now, the proposed garden community has been dealt a major blow after the council recommended it is not shortlisted as a potential site for new housing over the next 20 years.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council determined there were "fundamental concerns" with the "highways, landscape, heritage and settlement character" of Upper Swallick, noting the impact on the countryside around Cliddesden and is "problematic in terms of achieving satisfactory connectivity".

It is one of many developments initially put forward by developers over the last two years which will be debated at a meeting on Thursday.

The leader of the opposition, Cllr Andy McCormick, said that it will be a "controversial meeting", but that it was right that it is recommended that Upper Swallick will not be recommended.

The Labour representative for Brighton Hill said: "I think it is a pretty accurate assessment. There are some pretty serious transport issues.

"There are some really serious concerns looking at this, there are strong reasons why it can't got in and I think they have done the right thing in not shortlisting it.

"Cliddesden would be nowhere near what it is now. It would never be the same again. Whatever features come with it are not going to compensate for losing the amenity.

"We need to make sure we protect the key amenity value of the rural landscapes south of the M3. If the decision is ever made to build south of the M3, once the dam is breaches who knows where they will ever end."

Among the developments that are recommended for inclusion is 5,000 homes at Manydown South, 4,500 homes in neighbouring land between North Waltham and Beggarwood, and 3,000 homes at Popham Airfield.

Speaking about concerns that Basingstoke, Oakley and North Waltham will no longer be separated by countryside, Cllr McCormick added: "30 years ago there were mass protests about 'Oakley-stoke' on the impact of joining Kempshott to Oakley.

"The settlement boundary, it appears to be a bit of a joke. They are going to be building at least 10,000 houses outside of it.

"I do have some very serious concerns about the urban sprawl in Basingstoke."