HUNDREDS of homes could be built on green space on the edge of Popley – neighbouring a development which was once described as “the most objected to application in the history of Basingstoke”.

David Wilson Homes recently held a consultation on plans for 350 homes on Kiln Farm between Sherborne St John and Popley.

A Basingstoke councillor has criticised the plans, and said: “David Wilson Homes’ proposal, to concrete over our precious green environment, is just wrong."

In 2013, the homebuilder was given the go-ahead for 450 homes on neighbouring land by the Secretary of State for the Department for Communities and Local Government at the time, Eric Pickles.

READ MORE: Basingstoke's "most objected to" application for 450 homes on Kiln Farm approved by Goverment by overturning the borough council's refusal

The scheme resulted in more than 530 letters of objection, and a petition with hundreds of signatures was submitted, while only three letters of support were received.

David Wilson Homes said under its current proposals approximately 350 homes would be built “featuring a variety of housing types to support the growing community at all stages of life”.

It has said the scheme will feature the retention and enhancement of existing landscape features, along with a buffer to “respect Sherborne St John”.

If approved, the development will be accessed via Chineham Lane and from an extension of Gibbons Place.

It added: “There is also the possibility of vehicular access only to the northern section of the site from 'The Land North of Marnel Park,' as well as pedestrian and cycle connections to the surrounding area. Existing parking on Gibbons Place will also be relocated as part of the plans.”

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The application has been criticised by borough councillor for Sherborne St John and Rooksdown Cllr David McIntyre.

Speaking about the plans, Cllr McIntyre said: “Whilst I fully appreciate that Basingstoke and Deane needs to accommodate growth to support our growing population, any proposed growth must absolutely be in keeping with residents’ wishes and must enhance all that makes Basingstoke such a wonderful place to live. Our residents want rapid growth to slow down to give local services like our hospital and GPs time to catch up with the increase in demand.

“David Wilson Homes’ proposal, to concrete over our precious green environment, is just wrong. Those green fields form part of Basingstoke’s strategic gap, an important planning tool to prevent coalescence of settlements and maintain their separate identity. Our rural networks of biodiversity and green infrastructure are what set us apart from our overdeveloped neighbours. This is the wrong development, in the wrong location and I can not possibly support this proposed development.”

A spokesperson for David Wilson Homes Southern said: “We’ve recently undertaken a local public consultation for up to 350 properties at Kiln Farm in Popley. Following the consultation, the outline planning application is likely to be submitted early in 2023 and will provide 40 per cent affordable housing, including First Homes.

“If approved, this would provide a variety of housing to help to meet the demand for high-quality new homes and jobs for people in the area. The plans for the proposed development feature green open spaces, in addition to improvements to pedestrian and cycle links for greater connectivity and healthy lifestyles for those living in Popley and the wider area around Basingstoke.”

A planning application is expected to be submitted to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council in the coming months.