A CONTROVERSIAL plan to build thousands of houses in Hampshire has moved a step forward.

Civic chiefs in Eastleigh have confirmed the timetable for the delivery of the local plan, aimed at building thousands of new homes in the borough, along with new infrastructure – including schools and doctors surgeries.

As previously reported in the Echo, the plan has sparked fierce opposition from residents who voiced their fears over the impact that the plan could have on green areas in the borough.

Now, during a cabinet meeting held on April 6, civic chiefs in Eastleigh have confirmed that the plan could be adopted as early as 2019.

A statement released by Eastleigh Borough Council reads: “The proposed timetable will allow time for the necessary work to be undertaken to maximise the likelihood of the Local Plan being found ‘sound’ and being adopted.”

According to the time table, a cabinet resolution is taking place on July 2017 to commence consultation on the proposal.

Meanwhile a six-weeks public consultation is expected to start in Autumn 2017.

This will include discussion with the local communities and will be the period to make formal representations.

A group called Action against Destructive Development Eastleigh (ADD) has been set up to fight development in Fair Oak and Bishopstoke, known as options B and C.

Now that the timetable is confirmed, Mark Baylis, inset, 64, ADD member, said: “I’m sure we’ll take part in the public consultation in autumn.

“I hope that the consultation will be a genuine exercise because up to now it hasn’t been.

“I hope that the council will listen to the arguments because the evidence is in our favour.”

According to the confirmed timetable the council could submit the local plan to the Secretary of State in spring 2018.

Following the submission, a public examination into the local plan could be held in summer 2018 and conducted by an independent planning inspector appointed by Secretary of State.

A borough council spokesperson said that work for the plans are still ongoing and the council is still in the process of collecting all the information needed.