CIVIC chiefs will decide today on plans that would see up to 170 new homes being built.

Planners will have the final say on a proposal for up to 90 homes at Bursledon and up to 80 homes and five commercial units in Netley Abbey.

The plans in Bursledon would see 35 per cent affordable homes and include public space and a play area, but have met with opposition from residents.

The applicant Highwood Land (Bursledon) Ltd also proposes works to the A27, which include re-siting a bus stop, a new pedestrian crossing and a new section of cyclepath.

Seventeen people have raised objections about increased congestion on the A27 and M27 junction 8, inadequate mitigation works and concerns of increased danger to cyclists and parents and children crossing the A27 to get to schools and the area becoming a rat run. They also say it will harm the rural landscape and there are not enough school places or medical services.

The Bursledon, Hamble-le-Rice and Hound Local Area Committee will today consider the application as well as plans by developer Orchard Homes for Grange Road, Netley. These include a footbridge over the railway line to connect the de-velopment to facilities in Netley and a children’s play area.

Four residents have raised concerns: the commercial buildings use, more traffic, safety of pedestrians and more accidents. They are also concerned about eroding the gap between Netley and Southampton and that footpaths, schools and the sewage systems will not cope. Hound Parish Council is concerned about children crossing Grange Road to Netley junior and infant schools. Nick Eagle, construction director at Orchard Homes said it would pay to upgrade the drainage system, its community contribution would cover expanding schools and it was creating a footpath over the railway and a pedestrian crossing. He added the land had been allocated for development in Eastleigh’s Local Plan.

Council reports recommend approval for both schemes