The Council

Friday, July 15 2011, 09:21 GMT

Council looks to the future on housing need

Eastleigh Borough Council has approved proposals that outline the level and possible locations for housing development within the borough over the next two decades until 2029.

The proposals are the first steps towards developing a plan, called a ‘Core Strategy’, that will set out the overall direction the Council will take when planning for the provision of around 9,400 new homes over the next 18 years to help meet the ever growing demand for housing in this area. The population of the borough, currently around 122,000, is set to grow to138,000 over the next 20 years.

Of these 9,400 new homes, around 4,700 will need to be located on greenfield sites. The remaining 4,700 homes either already have planning permission or can be accommodated in the borough’s existing urban areas.  Four strategic locations for housing have been identified that will now require further work and consultation. These locations are on land ;

• South of Chestnut Avenue, west of Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh
• Allington Lane, West End
• North east of Boorley Green, Botley 
• West of Woodhouse Lane, Hedge End

Of these, the areas at Chestnut Avenue and Woodhouse Lane are the preferred options. The other two sites, at Allington Lane and Boorley Green, are to be the subject of a borough wide household consultation to obtain the thoughts, views and opinions of residents throughout the borough.  Only one will be taken forward for development.

Council Leader Keith House said “Like all Councils we have to plan ahead for the future and look at our housing need.  We have to ensure that we provide homes for people of all ages so they can remain close to family, friends, schools, jobs and local facilities.  He added, “We are keen to give our residents a choice and provide the opportunity for them to have their say on two specific sites and I would encourage everyone to let us know their views.”  

The borough wide consultation leaflet entitled ‘Help shape the future of your borough’ will be delivered to all households by the end of July and should be returned by 9 September 2011.  The results will help the Council decide where new housing development should go within the borough. 

Later in the year a full public consultation will take place across the whole borough on all aspects of the draft Core Strategy that, as well as housing, will also include policies and proposals on for example employment, recreation and transport links.

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