THE CAMPAIGN to Protect Rural England (Hampshire) has responded to the consultation on proposed ‘large development sites’ suggested by East Hampshire District Council.

The council is looking to allocate land for more houses, and has put forward ten proposed locations.

After site visits, the countryside protection group says the proposed sites at Chalton Park Farm, Alton, Neatham Down, Alton, South of Winchester Road, Four Marks, and a large part of Northbrook Park, Bentley, are “valued landscapes,” and “should not be developed”.

It supports the Whitehill & Bordon development as one that would be largely brownfield and would take advantage of the employment opportunities, a new town centre and other facilities.

If another large development site is required from the remaining five sites, then it says it should be allocated as a Reserve Site, and only developed if there was a need.

CPRE Hampshire spokesman Christopher Napier said: “The four sites in open countryside are within landscapes of high quality.”