Last chance to have say on 9,400 new homes (From Daily Echo)

Last chance to have say on 9,400 new homes plan for Eastleigh Borough

5:00am Friday 12th October 2012 in Eastleigh By Julian Robinson, Eastleigh Chief Reporter

CAMPAIGNERS have until the end of today to comment on controversial plans to build thousands of homes in the Hampshire countryside.

Up to 9,400 homes could be built over the next 17 years as part of Eastleigh Borough Council's Local Plan in the next 17 years, with nearly half of those earmarked for greenfield land.

The window for consultation over the far reaching blueprint slams shut today.

Only minor changes can be made to the huge document before it is submitted to the Secretary of State for examination in spring.

As previously reported, the plan suggests building 1,300 homes at Stoneham Park, which will include 100 acres of historic parkland.

Plans have already been unveiled to concrete over the greens and fairways at Boorley Green golf course and construct a new 1,400 home estate complete with new primary school, community buildings and sports pitches.

Up to 1,000 homes would also be built at Woodhouse Lane.

Council bosses say their planning vision is “sound” and that it will help protect separate open spaces in the borough and provide a framework for development in the future.

But campaign groups have been set up in Botley, Hedge End and Eastleigh in a bid to have the document thrown out.

Civic chiefs hope to be able to adopt the plan by as early as the end of next year.