Linden Homes cuts 150 houses from controversial project in Pitt Vale, near Winchester, following criticism from residents

Linden Homes has cut 150 houses in from its controversial project in Pitt Vale, near Winchester, following criticism from residents and civic chiefs.

Around 80 people attended a second exhibition where the developer revealed the new 350-home outline plan, with changes including new sports pitches to the north of the 64-acre site.

Most homes will be two, three or four bedrooms and 40 per cent will be available at affordable rates - 80 per cent of market value.

Shops, public footpaths, a village square, a play area and an elderly care centre have been retained from the original scheme.

City and parish councillors and local MP Steve Brine oppose the plans, which fall outside the city's Local Plan for 12,500 homes to be built in the district by 2031.

Many residents worry that more development will clog traffic on the busy A3090 and make Pitt village part of Winchester.

Sue Barnes, whose house in Enmill Lane backs onto the site, said the amended plans would still "ruin Winchester" and wreck the countryside community.

She said: "It's heartbreaking. Pitt has been there for 700 years - it's a small hamlet and they're intending to join Winchester to Pitt.

"Winchester doesn't have the infrastructure. It should be criminal."

The entire site is on a low-risk flood plain. Linden Homes said new drainage systems would reduce runoff by around 60 per cent.

Sam Mogridge, Linden Homes' strategic planning and land buyer, said the cut to 350 homes would ease demand on roads and schools while community investment would serve people throughout Winchester.

"There's a major housing shortfall in this country," he said.

"We argue that Winchester can deliver more houses than there presently are. The [Local] Plan isn't fulfilling the requirement."

The developer hopes to submit a planning application early next year.