2,500-home Garden Village proposed for Basingstoke

Portsmouth Estates has submitted a concept document to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council for 2,500 homes to the south of the town centre.

The document, drawn up by Ridge, has been published by Cliddesden Parish Council and reveals the proposed Upper Swallick Garden Community, four miles south of Basingstoke, will cover an area of around 296 hectares, largely in Cliddesden with some parts of it in Farleigh Wallop.

The scheme proposes a community trust made up of residents and employers of the proposed development and a high street with a range of businesses and places to eat and drink.

The document concludes: “This proposal presents an exciting prospect to help the borough plan and secure a sustainable solution to meet our social and economic needs but also – importantly – to deliver a truly long-lasting positive legacy for future generations.”

But Cliddesden Parish Council is asking locals to help form a group to oppose it. It is urging residents to let members know their thoughts.

In a newsletter to residents, the council said: “This makes the conclusion of the Neighbourhood Plan even more critical.

“We have been moving forward at a reasonable pace but with such a small team it has been difficult.

“We now need to step up the action and that will need more help from people who can help write the policies that are required. The parish council needs to hear your opinion.”

The team working on the project includes PJA as architect, MPH Design as landscape architect and planners from Mediation in Planning.