Location, Location, Location presenter Phil Spencer leads opposition to Hampshire plan for 800 homes

Phil Spencer is leading objections to plans for 800 new properties near his £3.5million home

Celebrity property developer Phil Spencer is leading objections to plans for 800 new properties near his £3.5million home. 

The proposed site in Bentley, Hampshire, named Northbrook Park, would reportedly provide shops, a school and 500 jobs close to Mr Spencer’s property in Froyle, which boasts ten acres, a cinema, games rooms and a tennis court. 

Plans for the site, which would consist of 40 per cent ‘affordable homes’, include proposals to upgrade bus services and construct wildlife ponds, children’s play areas and an outdoor gym, the Times reports.   

Campaigners say the development would cause gridlock and be a blight on the landscape. Location, Location, Location presenter Mr Spencer, 49, said he was ‘in principle supportive of housing development, especially affordable homes for the younger generation’ 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. ‘I believe there are far better sites in East Hants to build 800-plus houses than at Northbrook.’  

Alan Titchmarsh, 70, a ‘long-term’ resident of Holybourne, has also objected to the proposals, saying the countryside was very important to him

The proposed site in Bentley, Hampshire, named Northbrook Park, would reportedly provide shops, a school and 500 jobs (pictured: Artist's impression of what the site might look like)

The proposed site in Bentley, Hampshire, named Northbrook Park, would reportedly provide shops, a school and 500 jobs (pictured: Artist’s impression of what the site might look like)

Location, Location, Location presenter Mr Spencer, 49, said he was 'in principle supportive of housing development, especially affordable homes for the younger generation' but 'this is the wrong development in the wrong place'

Location, Location, Location presenter Mr Spencer, 49, said he was ‘in principle supportive of housing development, especially affordable homes for the younger generation’ but ‘this is the wrong development in the wrong place’

He said: ‘I support protecting the rolling fields, beautiful landscape and ancient woodland of the Northern Wey Valley, which is on the edge of the South Downs National Park.’

It is one of ten proposals to East Hampshire district council in order to hit Government targets of constructing 10,456 homes by 2036. 

There are 7,078 being provided by current projects. This means an additional 3,378 houses will need building over the next 16 years.     

An information pack outlining plans for Northbrook Park says: ‘We have worked closely with East Hampshire District Council and Hampshire and Surrey County Councils, as well as presenting our emerging proposals to Bentley Parish Council. 

It is one of ten proposals to East Hampshire district council in order to hit Government targets of constructing 10,456 homes by 2036 (pictured: Artist's impression of the project)

It is one of ten proposals to East Hampshire district council in order to hit Government targets of constructing 10,456 homes by 2036 (pictured: Artist’s impression of the project)

‘Whilst new large-scale development can be controversial, we sincerely believe that Northbrook Park provides a unique opportunity to deliver the much needed homes in a sustainable way, whilst minimising any possible impacts upon existing residents and village services. 

‘Our proposals have been informed following a number of reports and assessments undertaken by the project team on behalf of the landowner. 

‘These have identified any constraints and opportunities and helped shape the illustrative masterplan. 

‘The conclusions of these reports confirm that Northbrook Park is deliverable and will comprise a viable, new community, which will help contribute towards East Hampshire’s housing, economic and social needs, in a highly sustainable way.’

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