FRESH plans to build an extra 350 homes on green fields outside Basingstoke are in the pipeline - and have already sparked concerns from residents. 

Miller Homes has submitted an environmental impact assessment (EIA) screening opinion request to construct the houses at Sherfield Hill Farm, Sherfield-on-Loddon. 

According to the paperwork, the proposed development would encompass up to 350 residential buildings, along with a mobility hub, access points, parking facilities, pedestrian and cycle routes, landscaping, green infrastructure, and drainage systems.

The site, spanning approximately 15.66 hectares, currently consists of agricultural land situated adjacent to the A33 road.

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It is positioned to the east of Sherfield Park and directly north of the Redlands development, which is currently undergoing construction.

Access to the site is proposed via the A33 Taylor's Farm roundabout, utilising the access road that serves the neighbouring Redlands development.

This is not the first time residents have faced a battle to protect this land. 

The recent submission by Miller Homes follows a similar request made in October 2021.

The previous request was for a residential development of up to 200 dwellings on the southern portion of the site, which was determined by the council to not require an environmental impact assessment.

However, a previous virtual meeting held regarding the construction of those houses faced opposition from numerous residents.

The objections raised during that meeting primarily focused on concerns about the impact on the A33 road, the potential loss of significant trees, hedges, and open fields, as well as the strain on local schools.

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With the emergence of the new proposal for 350 homes, objections from local residents have already begun to surface.

Jane Hatter, one of the neighbours, said: “Miller Homes state there are several local schools available. I am not aware of any enlargement to any of the schools, they all seem to be oversubscribed as my neighbour waits to hear if her four-year-old will be able to get into the infant school within our catchment area.

“The area in question has large trees, hedges and open fields, within a short distance there are known active dormice sites, there are bats, and many other endangered or vulnerable species. Have the proper surveys and licenses been applied for?

“If we are not vigilant, we will end up with a developed corridor from Basingstoke to Reading along the A33, a road that is already congested and will continue to be so, with more housing in Bramley and no prospect of improved public transport or public services while the government continues to reduce their dependency on debt.”

The application will now be determined by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council with a decision expected within the next few months.

Update: An earlier version of this article said the new development is planned at Breach Farm, in Breach Lane, Sherfield-on-Loddon. This was wrong and has been changed to Sherfield Hill Farm, Sherfield-on-Loddon. The error happened because the council website earlier listed a wrong address with the screening opinion request.