The first steps towards starting work on building new community in Hampshire have been taken.

A planning application has been submitted for the first new homes at One Horton Heath.

Eastleigh Borough Council has submitted an outline application for a masterplan and detailed application for the development.

The vision for One Horton Heath is for a major mixed-use development in the heart of the borough, to the west of the present Horton Heath village, and is the largest council-led project in the South.

The masterplan for the 310-acre site, which will be developed over a 10-year period, include 2500 new homes of which 35% will be affordable, a new local centre, three-form primary school, seven acres of employment and seven acres of mixed-use retail.

Around 40% of the area will not be built on and will include formal open space, play provision, ponds and woodland.

A full application for the first homes provides detailed plans for 393 homes to include a mix of houses and apartments.

This comes after a year-long consultation with local stakeholders and the community to help shape the development in a way that most benefits the local area and existing community.

Council leader Cllr Keith House said: “This exciting scheme is the most comprehensive ever developed by the Council, through our in-house One Horton Heath project team.

"As both landowner and developer, the Council can ensure that new homes are delivered alongside the provision of the right infrastructure.

"By ensuring we provide homes that are built to a high standard and creating an environment where people want to live we are confirming our focus is on place and people and not profit.”

These applications come after work started on the construction of vital new road infrastructure last year that will help take traffic away from rural Burnetts Lane and remove some through traffic in both Fair Oak and Horton Heath.

The council, in its role as Local Planning Authority, will now formally consider the proposals.