CONTROVERSIAL plans for homes in the Hampshire countryside have sparked fears they will bridge the last gap that separates two communities and leave a cricket ground facing a six-figure bill.

Residents and council bosses say the site in West End, where developers want to build 100 homes, is an important last gap between West End and Hedge End with residents also concerned about the effect on local roads and services.

The Ageas Bowl, the home of Hampshire cricket which sits across the road and uses the site for overflow car parking, says it would mean changes to its car parks that could cost more than £150,000.

Councillors will decide tonight whether to give the controversial plans for the site, off Botley Road, immediately south of the M27 motorway, the green light.

Proposed by Gladman Developments, it is also close to where developers are currently looking at building 122 homes on part of the Moorgreen Hospital site.

Ageas Bowl chief executive David Mann states in an objection to the plans that if the development went ahead, in addition to increased traffic it would cost an extra £1,000 in traffic management on match days and £2,500 extra for larger fixtures.

And, as the ground uses the fields as overflow car parking, he says it would have to expand its own car parking elsewhere to replace it, likely costing more than £150,000.

Costs in relation to this would be met by RB Sport & Leisure Holdings plc group, which owns Hampshire Cricket Ltd and Mr Mann stated it would seem appropriate to look at using developer contributions to help fund this.

West End Parish Council also objects, saying the development is in a strategic gap and not sustainable.

The council’s head of planning also objects saying the development site is the last undeveloped gap between the communities of Hedge End and West End.

The rejected Eastleigh Local Plan, a blueprint for future development in the borough up to 2029, which was halted by an inspector last year and is being redrawn, did not mark this site for development.

The officer’s report, which recommends refusal, concludes the site could help to supply more houses and provided public open space, footpaths and cycle links.

But she said this did not outweigh the loss of countryside and the development would “in effect” join Hedge End and West End “physically and visually”.

The developer has said in documents the site will significantly contribute to the local economy and prosperity.

It says it will also help meet local housing needs through a sustainable development which will enhance recreation, biodiversity and through landscaping retain the green approach to West End.

The Hedge End, West End and Botley Local Area Committee will decide on the plans tonight at 7pm.