ALRESFORD residents have revealed how they want the town to change over the next 20 years.

But the issue of 500 more homes for the town continues to divide opinion.

The town council revealed the results of a recent consultation into Alresford’s future at a meeting at the recreation centre last Thursday (April 25), attended by around 30 residents.

Among the desired changes were high-speed broadband for homes and businesses, more manufacturing business, a dedicated cricket pitch and better foot and cycle paths.

Four groups were set up to look into the town’s needs for housing, infrastructure, open spaces and employment.

But residents still questioned the need for 500 new homes identified in Winchester City Council’s recently approved 20-year local plan.

Maddie Attenborough, a photographer, of New Farm Road, said: “If we had an extra one fifth more population will we still have the same feel in Alresford?

“I wish I had spoken up at a previous meeting when there were more people here and asked if we were happy about this.”

But Peter Pooley, 76, of Rosebery Road, said: “If we do not build more houses then the population will not remain stable – it will reduce. The idea that the population remains the same if the number of houses remains the same is an illusion – you need to build a few more houses each year.”

Around 80 homes already have planning permission, leaving the housing needs group scope to discuss what type of housing the remaining 420 should be.

The group said 50 per cent should be one or two bed and 50 per cent three/four bed, with 50 per cent of the total for affordable housing.

Town council chairman Lisa Griffiths said: “It will not come in one big influx but will happen in a gradual way. We want Alresford to remain a nice place to live so it is in our interest to decide what we want to see.”

Other issues for residents included building a relief road from the A31 for heavy goods lorries to use so they avoid damaging main roads, sheltered housing for the elderly closer to the town centre and the preservation of the Watercress Line.

Meanwhile Rodney Jordan, 71, suggested boosting tourism through making watercress beds near The Dean into a wildlife reserve.

Mr Jordan, a company director, of The Dean, said: “There’s no point developing the land as it’s a flood plain and you’d never get insurance. You could turn it into a wildlife reserve, get the RSPCB involved and make it something that local children could make the best of. It could be a great tourist attraction.”

Penny Washington, of Grange Road, praised the meeting’s organisation.

She said: “Change is inevitable and it’s useful to be able to keep an eye on what’s going on and it’s been nice to have an opportunity to talk to people from the council about that.”

The town council will review residents comments at a meeting on May 16.