EARLY plans have been unveiled for a new development in Ringwood which could see 491 homes built.

A presentation was given to Ringwood Town Council from St Congar, a land promotion business, and the project team, who are developing plans for land at Moortown Lane, which is strategic site 13 in New Forest District Council’s local plan. The site has been allocated for at least 480 homes.

Alan Bennett, of Ken Parke Planning, said the vision was to create a “well-designed and considered landscape-led development, which positively integrates with the existing urban area and fosters a strong sense of community”.

There would be a linked network of recreational greenspaces through the site. And it would also look to provide a “connected route” from the A31 down to Christchurch Road.

Steve Jenkins, of i-Transport, said the main vehicle access into the site onto Moortown Lane was likely to be a priority junction.

There would also be a network of roads allowing for possible future connections to the north and east. New walking and cycling routes are also proposed.

The meeting heard a masterplan for the site was a “work in progress” and “evolving”.

Deputy mayor, Philip Day said he had concerns about the connectivity from the A31 at Christchurch Road due to the narrowness of Crow Lane and the “lack of any main access into the site other than from Moortown Lane”, which was also narrow.

Councillor Jeremy Heron felt a priority junction for the site access “would not satisfy the traffic flow” and a roundabout was needed. The meeting heard this would be looked at carefully.

The site would deliver up to 491 market and affordable homes including one and two bed apartments and homes, to five-bed family homes.

Affordable housing would be provided but the proportion has yet to be confirmed. There would be a 50/50 split of market and affordable homes.

In terms of schooling there could be an “upgrade” at the existing Poulner schools site. But this was a matter for New Forest District Council and Hampshire County Council.

Councillor Hilary Edge said shops and schools were already “over capacity” and roads were already congested. She said another primary school was needed as well as more shops.

A public consultation will be held later this month with plans to submit an outline application in early summer.