RESIDENTS have a week left to make their views known on a 3,500-home community that could be built in Hampshire.

Plans for the new residential project, currently called North Whiteley, include three schools, 50 hectares of green space, and new and improved pedestrian and cycle infrastructure.

If the project design is approved the majority of existing buildings will be demolished to make way for the new homes.

Adrian Barker, technical director at Terence O’Rourke, told the Daily Echo he was optimistic about the prospect of the new community at North Whiteley.

He said: “It’s important for residents that there will be connections from the existing Whiteley to the north.

“It’s really about the detail, and we have been working with the local community and Winchester City Council for a number of years to put this forward in a way that has responded to local aspirations.

“Primarily the issues that were raised are existing issues in terms of education provision to Whiteley – it’s been a concern at Whiteley for many years.

“The point was raised about road connections to the north and people wanted to see that provided early in the development process.”

The development is only a few miles away from the controversial Welborne project, proposed by Fareham Borough Council.

Protesters have campaigned against the prospect of the 6,000-home development, while Fareham Council leader Sean Woodward says the new community would save other green areas from being built on.

Daily Echo: Sean Woodward.

Sean Woodward

Kevan Bundell, chair of Curdridge Parish Council, admitted he was worried what effect the North Whiteley development would have on traffic and wildlife in the area.

He said: “We have been raising issues over the number of houses and the traffic on our roads, and we’re concerned about disturbance to the Hamble River because it’s a special protection area for birds.

“As soon as there is a traffic problem you immediately get a lot of traffic coming through on the A3051.”

It was submitted to Winchester City Council by planners Terence O’Rourke on behalf of developers Taylor Wimpey, Crest Nicholson, Bovis Homes and JGP Lakedale.

The plans are currently in a public consultation period and residents can comment on Winchester City Council’s website until April 14.

A “target decision date” for the scheme is June 11 and if given the green light, work is expected to start in late summer 2016.

  • To view or comment on the North Whiteley application visit planningapplications. winchester.gov.uk