A forthcoming scheme to build 250 homes on farmland bordering Alton is “not likely to have significant effects on the environment” according to planners.

Plans for a major housing development on 20 hectares of land between Brick Kiln Lane and the A339 Basingstoke Road are being considered.

The agents for the landowners, Hallam Land, recently asked East Hampshire District Council, if they would have to produce an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in the event of submitting a large application for the site.

The firm is “minded to prepare a planning application for residential development” with a “mixed-use” scheme of up to 250 dwellings being quoted in their letter.

A development similar to the new estate next to Will Hall Farm is envisaged for the site with a meadow, open space and play area, sustainable drainage features and likely access from Basingstoke Road and Brick Kiln Lane all touted.

“The proposed development would provide up to 250 dwellings and will represent similar characteristics to Will Hall Farm – a development of comparable scale,” states Alice Morgan, assistant planner for agents, LRM.

No scheme has yet been submitted but EHDC have made things easier for the would-be applicants by confirming that an EIA will not be necessary.

“The Authority (EHDC) has adopted the screening opinion that the development is not likely to have significant effects on the environment – and will not require an EIA.”

It seems the north western approach to Alton is becoming increasingly eyed-up by developers with the Herald reporting last week on plans by Croudace Homes to build 99 houses between Basingstoke Road and Ackender Wood.

But with EHDC facing even higher housebuilding targets, and with few concessions for building within the South Downs National Park which covers more than half the district, it may get tougher to say no.