PLANS to transform a Hampshire town have been given the go-ahead.

Eastleigh may look completely different in the next few years as plans for hundreds of homes and a new sports hub have been given the green light.

As part of the proposal, 571 homes will be built on land south of Chestnut Avenue and west of Stoneham Lane and will be in addition to the 560 homes which are currently being built at the site.

Meanwhile, new sports pitches, a sports pavilion, spectator stands, parking, new footpaths and cycleway are to be created on land at Monks Brook Playing Fields and land south of junction five of the M27.

Eastleigh Local Area Committee approved the plans on October 17 and described the schemes as sustainable and deliverable.

Councillors also highlighted how the new sports facilities will have a positive impact on youngsters who will be encouraged to keep fit.

The homes set to be built at the proposed site will be delivered by Highwood Land LLP and will be a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom, with 35 per cent of them being affordable homes.

John Brave, speaking on behalf of Highwood Land LLP, said: “This is an essential part of a wider proposal for a new community. Our focus remain on deliver high quality development.”

As previously reported, the lands at Chestnut Avenue, Stoneham Lane and the Monks Brook site have been earmarked for a major development which will also see a new primary school, a children’s pre-school nursery, community buildings, a care home, retail and office buildings and car parking.

The sports facilities proposed for the Monks Brook site will also see two mini soccer natural grass pitches, a pavilion with 12 changing rooms and a stadium that will be used by the Stoneham AFC.

This is part of the FA Parklife project supported by Eastleigh Borough Council, the Premier League and Sport England.

The scheme aims to help address the issue of poor pitch quality in grassroots football.

Tina Campbell, councillor for Eastleigh Central ward, said: “This is a fantastic development and having the FA support and Parklife it’s fantastic.”