FEARS that Alresford could become a bottleneck for traffic were raised by concerned residents at a planning meeting about hundreds of homes.

More than 80 residents packed into Alresford Recreation Centre, in Alresford where had their say on plans by Seaward Properties to build 320 homes on land east of Sun Lane.

Under the scheme, 40 per cent of the homes would be affordable and there would also be 3.4 hectares of employment land, and 40 acres of open space.

Part of the plans include a new all-moves roundabout from the A31 and the realignment of Sun Lane.

However residents fear that the development will lead to major traffic issues.

The meeting heard that the traffic increase due to the scheme will be just an additional five cars at peak times, however this claim was met with mutters from residents, one of whom said “ridiculous” and later shouted “no way - 320 homes and five cars”.

Another resident said the issue is that the junction is going to become the main route into Alresford and he accused Seaward of “misleading” the public by only having a “narrow scope” for the traffic survey.

The resident claimed that a survey done by Hampshire Highways was "wrong".

Paul Cranley from Iceni Projects who are the traffic consultants for the project answered concerns and said:“We have done a very detailed assessment on this with Hampshire County Council.”

Another resident said the issue is that the junction is going to become the main route into Alresford and he accused Seaward of “misleading” the public by only having what he claimed was a narrow survey.

Mr Culpitt said that should Hampshire County Council Highway Authority say the work is needed to be done, they are ready to do it, but said they simply provide the information for Hampshire County Council who own the roads.

Mr Culpitt said: “It is up to Hampshire Highways to say if they are happy or not.”

It was relayed to residents that concerns about roads should be sent to the Hampshire Highways Authority.

Robin Atkins, a former town council chairman said that he believed the roundabout bring more traffic into Alresford.

He said: "The roundabout is going to be the predominant way into Alresford, and so that the Avenue coming from Winchester will become much less used.

"It certainly will be traffic chaos unless they spend lots of money on improving the roads."

Alresford and Itchen Valley councillor, Kim Gottlieb who was at the meeting said he hopes that affordable housing is delivered by the scheme.

Cllr Gottlieb said:"My own preference was for the alternative proposal whereby the housing allocation would be distributed on several smaller sites across the city.

However, now that the local plan has confirmed Sun Hill as the policy location, it is incumbent on the local city and town councillors to ensure that the development is as attractive and as well planned as can be, and that all the promises, particularly those relating to affordable housing, are delivered".

The plans will be decided by Winchester City Council in the coming weeks.