IT IS the highly controversial scheme that keeps returning to haunt the residents of Alresford.

Last February, Seaward Developments was given permission to build 320 homes on farmland east of Sun Lane.

This came after nearly five years of backlash from locals.

Now, the land has been acquired by Taylor Wimpey.

The homebuilder has finalised the purchase of the land and aims to submit a reserved matters planning application this March.

It will benefit from the existing outline planning permission for 320 homes – 40 per cent of which is allocated for affordable housing – 3.4 hectares of commercial land and 16 hectares of public open space.

Phil Rosewarne, land director at Taylor Wimpey Southern Counties, said: “The proposed development at Alresford Meadows will create over 300 much-needed new homes for the area, 40 per cent of which will be affordable housing.

“All our houses are designed with modern living in mind and our proposed development includes a mixture of family homes which will provide a balanced community. The properties will be traditional in design and in the keeping with local building styles and materials.

“Additionally, several financial contributions will be made when the site is granted reserved matters consent through both Section 106 contributions and the Community Infrastructure Levy.”

The proposed scheme is split in two; the residential scheme can be found to the north, separated from the commercial scheme to the south by approximately 16 hectares of public open space.

Taylor Wimpey’s proposals are on land allocated for housing by the council in the Winchester District Local Plan/

New access to Alresford Meadows will be created from the A31 to the south of the site and the public open space which will separate the residential and commercial schemes will also provide a visual barrier between the two sites, so that residential properties can take advantage of expansive views to the east and south of the development.