CIVIC chiefs are planning to spend more than £30m on the infrastructure needed to serve a major new housing development.

Eastleigh Borough Council has approved the first phase of a scheme that aims to provide 2,500 homes on a 320-acre site near Burnetts Lane.

Members of the council's ruling cabinet are meeting tomorrow to discuss proposals to provide the necessary infrastructure.

As reported in the Daily Echo the scheme, One Horton Heath, is due to include a primary school, local centres and community buildings, plus a network of footpaths and cycleways. Open spaces, sports facilities and play area are also planned.

Cabinet members are being asked to approve plans to spend £30.7m on the facilities.

A report to councillors says: "One Horton Heath is a major mixed-use development which is being delivered directly by the council.

"In September 2021 the Development Management Committee approved a new masterplan that will set parameters for all future design, delivery and long-term operation of the site.

"In October the committee approved plans for the first phase of housing and new green infrastructure adjacent to Burnetts Lane.

"In line with the council’s commitment, plans have already been submitted for the new link road which will be opened in 2023 prior to any houses being occupied.

"Now that the masterplan has been approved, the council is able to progress the remaining primary infrastructure in accordance with the approved business case.

"The council also wishes to accelerate the provision of secondary infrastructure and is seeking cabinet approval to incur further expenditure so that all primary and secondary infrastructure is provided by completion of the first phase of housing.

"This is not an increased cost to the overall budget but bringing forward spend to enable delivery of the council's ‘Infrastructure First’ approach."

The work will be funded by borrowing and repaid using the money generated by future house sales and rental receipts.

Cllr Keith House, the leader of the council, has described One Horton Heath as "the highest quality and greenest development in the borough’s history".