RESIDENTS in Nursling have the chance today to see more details of a controversial plan to build 350 new homes in the village.

Developer Barker Mills Estate are presenting an exhibition of images and plans to show residents how the new homes will look in the development off Redbridge Lane.

The firm has invited 3,000 households to look at the exhibition in Nursling Village Hall after launching an appeal against the decision by Test Valley planners to reject the outline application in April. They insist the plans have not changed since they were rejected but are keen to show more detail about their proposals.

As well as speaking to planning consultants and developers, visitors will also be able to speak to architect Gary Worsfold who was involved in the Prince of Wales’ Poundbury development in Dorset.

In the first of the two-day exhibition Mr Worsfold said yesterday he hoped people would come and see how it will look in the village.

“The developers are really keen on getting people to come and see for themselves what it will look like.

“The design of the houses and the areas around them including the green areas for wildlife and children to play in have all been done with the community spirit in mind.”

As previously reported in the Daily Echo the plans were thrown out by the council who backed residents’ concerns many of which involved keeping the green gap of land that separates the village from Southampton.

The developers are hoping to address issues including the use of green space, parking and traffic and assure residents it will have no effect on the school catchment area.

As well as experts involved in the proposed development, members of the Nursling and Rownhams Parish Council are also speaking to residents explaining why the plans have previously been rejected.

One resident who asked not to be named said; “Looking at the pictures it is a great design and if you would have something built you probably won’t find much better.

“But the issue here is the principle of where it is and the fact that everyone feels that we should keep that |gap.”

The appeal will be decided following a public inquiry by the planning inspector in September.

The exhibition will be open from 10am to 2pm today.