Alresford conservationist backs homes and rugby plan (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Alresford conservationist backs homes and rugby plan

1:00pm Monday 6th September 2010 in

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AN Alresford conservationist has thrown his weight behind plans to put rugby pitches next to Arlebury Park.

There are outline plans to build up to 15 homes next to the recreation centre in exchange for land behind the development, which could be used for rugby pitches.

For the last decade Alresford Rugby Club has been playing its ‘home’ games two miles away at Bighton.

Jon Cranfield, of Alresford Wildlife, said: “I personally feel that the plan to build new houses in return for land behind is a 'no brainer'.”

Last week it was revealed New Alresford Town Council are looking into the costs behind acquiring the land via a compulsory purchase order, after many in the town objected to the housing element of the original scheme.

Mr Cranfield added: “Our group will be voting on whether we would oppose the development out right or, which I think would be more likely, to campaign to support the smaller development over the much larger development, which may come in its place if the council goes along the compulsory purchase route.

“Our group wants to stand up for the wildlife of the area and we feel that the rugby pitches may well be worthwhile for nature conservation.

We are looking at whether we would support the provision of 15 to 20 houses in return for the land for rugby pitches and we would like to think an opportunity will arise to include a significant area for nature and wildlife along the river corridor.”