A HOUSEbuilder is preparing to submit a planning application to build 250 homes on a Basingstoke golf course.

Bewley Homes has been consulting with residents in Rooksdown and borough councillors on its proposals to build around 250 homes on land at Weybrook Park Golf Club.

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The housebuilder initially wanted to build 350 homes, but after submitting a screening opinion to the borough council it has reduced this to 250.

RPS Consulting Services, acting on behalf of Bewley Homes, submitted the screening opinion to the borough council in October 2021, asking whether an environmental impact assessment is needed.

The 12-hectare site off the A340 Aldermaston Road includes part of the 27-hole Weybrook Park Golf Course.

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However, Bewley Homes said this will be relocated to an adjacent site to ensure there is no loss in recreational provision.

As part of its plans, Bewley Homes wants to offer a mix of one, two, three, four and five-bedroom, energy-efficient homes with electric charging points, 40 per cent of which will be affordable.

The development would include natural green space and equipped play areas, as well as a community orchard.

The streets would be tree-lined and a new pedestrian and cycle connection will link the existing footpath to Rooksdown Lane.

A new roundabout junction would be created from the A340 Aldermaston Road.

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In its application, RPS said it does not believe that the development needs an environmental impact assessment because “it will not give rise to significant environmental effects either by itself, or cumulatively”.

Several neighbours of the proposed development have already objected to the plans.

Jeremy Quigg, from Aldermaston Road, Sherborne St John, bought his house on the same day the application was submitted by Bewley Homes, meaning he had no idea about the plans when he bought his new home.

He said his view out onto a paddock will be changed to housing, adding: “This will not only affect the view, but the light produced at this site.

“This plan also reduces the size of the neighbouring golf course which, following the sale of Basingstoke golf course, further reduces the amount of golf holes available in the town.”

Charlotte Binks, from Fairway Road, objected to the plans for various reasons including the lack of infrastructure to support the development such as schools, shops, and supermarkets.

She also highlighted problems with the road links to the site, saying: “The A340 is already hugely congested particularly at peak times which impacts access to the hospital, the ambulance station, and AWE.

“There is no good links to the A339 from this road requiring drivers to loop around from the Aldermaston Roundabout or navigate through narrow country lanes which will no doubt increase accidents.”

On its website, Bewley Homes says that it is hoping to submit a planning application in November.

The housebuilder has been contacted for a comment.