A PRESSURE group that has an alternative vision for a Hampshire market town's future has revealed its ideas.

The professional group said that around 500 people attended its recent exhibition at the Alresford Community Centre and 85 per cent of people supported its views.

It detailed where nearly 400 new homes could go as part of Winchester City Council's Local Plan Part Two.

Information boards said: “The plan we present to you today reflects your concerns and is designed to deliver many benefits and opportunities for the town.

“Like many of the other plans chosen by other towns and villages in our district this is a multi-site development plan designed to encourage growth throughout the plan period, up to 2031, and without the enormous threats to the town contained in the current city council's draft local plan.”

The group's ideas include 172 homes in western Alresford, with 45 in Watercress Meadows and 120 in New Farm Road, and 106 in the north, with 12 in Bridge Road, 64 in Alrebury Park and 30 in The Dean.

There could also be 30 at Sun Hill School, 78 on land off Sun Lane, plus a 60-bed residential care home which the group says could provide up to 60 jobs, new allotments and a burial ground.

The group asked residents if they supported their plan and say 85 per cent “unequivocally” do, with nine per cent against and six per cent unsure.

Cllr Roy Gentry, of the town council, said: “They are at risk of upsetting a lot of people in Alresford.

“I have to say that I am pleased they have done it. It was just the thing that needed to be done by a group in Alresford which was not the town council.

“I'm not altogether sure that it is going to be acceptable to all the residents of Alresford.”

Alresford Town Council's planning committee next meet on December 4, and the consultation period for the local plan ends on December 5.