A PROPOSAL for 800 homes at Northbrook Park is the “wrong development in the wrong place”, according to TV’s Phil Spencer.

The presenter’s comments were shared on October 8 at Bentley Action Group’s public meeting in the village church and echoed similar concerns from celebrity gardener Alan Titchmarsh.

The project is still at a draft stage and will employ “garden village principles” to deliver homes, a school, shops and employment space creating a “self-contained community” on land off the A31.

David Jobbins, from planning consultancy Luken Beck, insisted the project will have its own infrastructure and will not significantly impact on Bentley’s amenities.

A key concern is the increase in traffic compounded by the fear 800 homes is just the start.

Bentley Action Group member Bruce Powell highlighted government guidelines on garden villages which require “a minimum” of 1,500 homes to be viable.

Mr Jobbins “fully acknowledged” the traffic worries but believes a new roundabout on the A31, combined with additional improvements to other routes, will provide suitable mitigation.

He said many objections, including concerns about highways, drainage and flooding, are “covered by legislation” adding that if the scheme does not comply “it won’t proceed – it’s as simple as that”.

Mr Powell presented a chart using the district council’s own 15 “key constraint criteria” traffic light system. These include “specific environmental or social factors” such as the impact on listed buildings, nearby conservation areas and proximity to the South Downs National Park.

He said of all ten sites being considered in the local plan consultation, Northbrook had the most “reds” making it the least suitable.

Mr Titchmarsh commented: “As a long-term resident of Holybourne, the rural countryside is a matter of great importance to me.

“I believe there are far better sites in East Hants to build 800-plus houses than at Northbrook.”

Froyle resident Mr Spencer is “in principle supportive of housing development, especially affordable homes” but “this is the wrong development in the wrong place”.

“As proposed, it is not in any way sustainable and I do not believe it is either suitable or deliverable,” he added.