Row brewing over 2,000-home scheme on the outskirts of Havant without A27 link road

Alan Mak, Conservative MP for Havant, said the new development at Southleigh Strategic Site should not go ahead without a link road being built.

Mr Mak said: “I have strong reservations about Southleigh housing plans and, unlike Labour councillors, I don’t pre-suppose that the plan will or should go ahead.

“A planning application needs to be properly considered by Havant Borough Council, but it’s clear that new housing is not viable without a wide range of supporting infrastructure, including but not limited to a link road to the A27.”

Southleigh development is on land already earmarked for around 2,100 homes between Emsworth and Denvilles in the council’s local plan, which acts as a development blueprint for the area.

Fears have been sparked that the original plan for a link road has been dropped from the developer’s plans.

The proposal is for up to 1,800 new homes, a local centre, a three-form entry primary school, early years provision, community park, community open space, and infrastructure.

Mr Mak said: “The Labour Government has imposed a 74 percent increase in the housing target for Havant Borough, so it’s no surprise that the Southleigh developer uses Labour’s nationally-imposed target as supporting evidence for their planning proposal.”

Hundreds of people are due to attend the development consultation meeting at the council’s Public Service Plaza at Civic Centre Road, Havant.

The pre-planning application meeting organised by Havant Borough Council will take place on Tuesday, January 27.

The forum provides an opportunity for residents and community groups to hear about the proposal, as well as provide feedback directly to the developer, said the council website.

The venue for the meeting changed earlier this week from the Emsworth Baptist Church to the council’s Public Service Plaza due to an unforeseen issue.

The free ticketed event had 245 seats available which have sold out.

Information about the Southleigh development forum and viewing the meeting via the online livestream can be found at havant.gov.uk.