PLANS for a new housing development in a Hampshire town have been given the go-ahead.

Councillors have granted permission for a new residential development of 106 homes on land west of Waylands Place and north of Peewit Hill Close in Hedge End.

The decision is subject to further considerations about the impact of the development on protected species living in the area.

The proposal was put forward by Foreman Homes Ltd and was given the green light during a meeting of the Hedge End, West End and Botley Local Area Committee held on September 11.

The area will see 43 two-bedroom flats in three and four storey block with associated car parking, a range of two, three and four-bedroom semi-detached homes with garages or car ports and terrace houses.

Steve Carrington, planning director at Foreman Homes Ltd, said: “We also sought to deliver other benefits such as parking, amenity spaces and landscape. This is a scheme which we are proud of and very keen to deliver.”

Associated open spaces will also be created along with play areas and infrastructure to provide adequate access from St John’s Road.

Residents and some councillors asked planning officers to look into road safety measures and wildlife protection.

Hedge End resident Margaret Billard also asked for a 30mph speed limit to be implemented on St John’s Road up to the access to the motorway.

Cllr Rupert Kyrle said: “We are expecting more pedestrians to use that area. It may need to have some traffic calming put in. I am also concerned that we are having an impact on wildlife.”

Tracy Payne, senior planning officer, confirmed that the access to the new road has already been approved by Hampshire County Council, but that it is a matter that can be brought to the authority’s attention.

Cllr Daniel Clarke, chairman of the Hedge End, West End and Botley Local Area Committee, said: “I completely accept that there are environmental concerns, and it wouldn’t be right for councillors not to be concerned about those and not to consider them in depth.

“But I do feel that there are enough mitigation measures here.”