DEFENCE Secretary Michael Fallon has joined MP Ranil Jayawardena in praising proposals for a major housing development at Pyestock.

The senior mininster visited the site near Fleet last week at the invitation of the MP for North East Hampshire.

Commenting on the local plans, Michael Fallon said: “It’s good to see sites like Pyestock being put forward for development.

“HM Government is ensuring that brownfield regeneration is central to local areas building new homes. A new ‘brownfield register’ is included in the Housing and Planning Bill, which will ensure that development is prioritised on brownfield sites rather than at the expense of the countryside.

“The MoD is committed to helping more people own their own homes. We have already released land for 22,000 houses in this parliament and we will always look carefully at opportunities to do more.”

Mr Fallon came along to reinforce the government’s message about the importance of brownfield regeneration – and to discuss how the Ministry of Defence (MoD) can assist with projects like this newly–announced development.

Mr Jayawardena took the opportunity to give it the thumbs up, saying: “Pyestock is exactly the sort of brownfield regeneration that should be supported.

“I am pleased that Hart are working together with HM Government to deliver homes on brownfield sites wherever possible, rather than building on green fields.”

The Pyestock site has been identified as suitable for 1,500 homes. The proposals include new infrastructure, such as a primary school, play facilities and local shops.

If it goes ahead, the project could take the number of new homes built under Hart’s Housing Plan to 4,000 – well above the requirement of 2,500 set by government.

The recent announcement about Pyestock was popular in Winchfield, which had been threatened with a possible new town development, that would have sprawled across the countryside. That threat has now receded.

Councillor Stephen Parker joined the politicians for the site visit to Hartland Park. He was equally enthusiastic: “We need to make sure that open land around Pyestock is not only protected from development but enhanced for public recreational use. 

“There are opportunities to create a new community on the brownfield land between Fleet and Farnborough, surrounded by a buffer of usable open land with public access. 

“We are required by European law to provide such a country park for the local people. As a Conservative councillor, I am delighted that I can use our friendly engagement with minsters to push forward the interests of Hart District.”