QUESTIONS have been raised about a new 2,500 home development in a Hampshire borough.

At an Eastleigh Borough Council audit and resources committee meeting on Tuesday, concerns were raised about the validity of the council’s authority to self deliver housing planned at Horton Heath.

Over the last year, the council has been carrying out a consultation in relation to its plans to build 2,500 homes as part of the One Horton Heath development.

In January, a planning application was submitted for the first 393 homes.

Now though, questions have been asked about the financial implications of a project this size with local leaders claiming there is a lack of scrutiny.

Cllr Margaret Atkinson, Conservative group leader said: “For some time now I’ve had concerns about the transparency and lack of external scrutiny of the One Horton Heath project for over 2,000 new homes, a massive financial outlay for the council and the taxpayer.

“In reviewing cabinet meeting minutes, I was amazed to see that self-delivery by the council of this project appears to have only been agreed ’in principal’, subject to financial appraisal and future approvals where necessary.

“Where are those financial appraisals and future approvals? And do those financial appraisals include scrutiny over the vast sums of money being paid to the expensive consultants hired to deliver this project?”

The councillor asked for answers concerning the build, with county councillor, Judith Grajewski also raising concerns about the number of significant risks highlighted by the auditors for the council.

This comes just weeks after the MP for the area, Paul Holmes also raised his concerns about the development in parliament and even went as far as to create an online petition against the plans for residents to sign.

Eastleigh Borough Council was approached for comment but it was unable to respond before the Echo went to press.