KINGSCLERE residents are strongly objecting to a plan to build 200 houses in their neighbourhood.

Vistry has submitted a hybrid planning application to build a “landscape-led” residential development comprising plans for 200 dwellings, public open space and a cemetery on land adjoining Porch Farm in Newbury Road.

However, the application on the planning portal of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has already received more than 50 comments from neighbours – mostly objecting to the plan.

READ MORE: Community consultation begins for 200 homes in Kingsclere

One local resident said the plan “completely disregards the democratically approved Kinsgclere Village Plan".

He said: “The scale of development represents an increase of 14 per cent in the housing stock of the village which is far too excessive. The development is on green field and creates a loss of open space (contrary to what the developer is stating).

“The village facilities (doctors, dentist, school) do not have the capacity for the increased population arising from this development.

“I would also question whether the sewage plant would cope with the additional demand based on the waste releases that have occurred in the past couple of years.

“It has not taken into consideration the requirement for bat nests and deer corridors both of which we regularly see in the village."

Meanwhile, there are also residents who support the plan since there are “no affordable” houses in Kingsclere.

Aleisha Henegan wrote: "My family have lived in this village for centuries. I had to move out of the village as there were no properties to buy which were affordable. I also had to leave my job as a primary school teacher at Kingsclere school as the commute wasn't feasible. It is unfair that certain people (who aren't even 'born and bred villagers') so strongly object."

She added: “The population is growing in general and everywhere has to expand. Even if the amount of houses aren't built something needs to be built. It's turning into a village only for the rich unfortunately.”

SEE ALSO: Small businesses in Basingstoke call for more support 

The last date to respond is August 1.

You can either post your comment – supporting or objecting – on the planning portal, or write to planning.comments@basingstoke.gov.uk.

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