WHITEHILL and Bordon is “probably the most ecologically sensitive” site out of ten proposed large development sites, a councillor has said.

The sites form part of East Hampshire District Council’s Draft Local Plan and will lead to more than 1,200 new homes. In Whitehill and Bordon, the site is in various parts of the town and includes more homes within the existing development, redevelopment of existing housing and non-residential sites, and new sites.

New employment land is proposed, as well as further suitable accessible natural green space (SANGS) across four locations. The site could also accommodate gypsy and traveller pitches and travelling showpeople plots, however a suitable location has not yet been decided.

Whitehill and Bordon county and district councillor Adam Carew, who is also a wildlife ecologist, said any proposed development “must fit in with our town’s Green Vision and ethos”, and additional housing “must come with sufficient jobs, shops, schools, public transport and community, leisure and health facilities as well as green infrastructure up front”.

“Out of the sites that are being looked at in East Hampshire, Whitehill and Bordon is probably the most ecologically sensitive. This was recognised by Natural England who decreed that the maximum number of homes we can have in Whitehill and Bordon is 4,000 in order not to adversely effect the rare and internationally protected and Wealden Heaths that surround our town,” he said.

Additional housing above this number “will have to have Natural England’s support and will need to come with additional SANGS”.

*To have your say before October 15, go to www.easthants.gov.uk/draft-local-plan or find out more about the proposal at tinyurl.com/y2jb8vux .