HAMPSHIRE residents fear their roads could become rat runs after draft traffic plans were circulated around the town.

A developer Seaward Properties is drawing up plans for nearly 400 homes off Sun Lane in Alresford, near Winchester.

Their sketch shows ideas for a new A31 junction, at the bottom of Sun Hill.

The town council has supported proposals to build homes at Sun Lane, which would include 15 hectares of open public space and a five-hectare industrial site.

The idea, being promoted as part of Winchester City Council’s Local Plan Part Two, has stirred much controversy, and following a recent meeting with developer Seaward, residents have fresh fears for the future of their roads.

The diagram, which has not been released to the town council, does not have a junction for access from Alton.

The Nursery Road Residents Group September newsletter said: “If this plan goes ahead we will see greatly increased volumes of traffic, including HGVs and construction traffic, along our road and we need to keep campaigning hard to ensure Nursery Road does not become the rat run it looks destined to be under this plan.”

Sam Kerr-Smiley, the group’s chairman, said at the meeting that he will discuss traffic with the developer next week.

Mr Kerr-Smiley also put forward ideas about creating 20mph zones in Alresford.

The public consultation calling for views on Local Plan Part Two began on October 24.