TIME is running out for residents to comment on an alternative vision for the future of Alresford.

A newly-formed professionals group agreed to work with the town council to provide an alternative draft plan for where nearly 400 homes could go.

They aim to engage with the community and hear their views on the issues the plan should address.

Alresford must provide space for 500 homes under Winchester City Council’s Local Plan, and the town council has endorsed ideas for building off Sun Lane.

Jeremy Collins, a property surveyor and director at John Lewis nationwide, of Bishop’s Sutton, is spear-heading the professional group.

He said they want to present their plan on November 22 – just weeks before the Local Plan Part Two public consultation period ends on December 5.

“We are at the data gathering phase at the moment,” he said.

“It’s really important that people who want to express a view do. It’s their last chance to be heard.”

The group is holding an exhibition on October 18 at the community centre.

Chairman of the Nursery Road Residents’ Group (NRRG), Sam Kerr-Smiley, is working with the professionals, and has asked the town council to circulate forms to all residents so they can comment on the plans.

He said he is concerned that businesses in The Dean may not agree to move to the new proposed industrial centre in Sun Lane, making way for a supermarket.

“It’s a bit like a game of Jenga,” he said.

“A lot of people still don’t understand what is happening. That is why we are trying to make a plan for Alresford by Alresford people. That comes back to getting engagement going, which is what the council has failed to do and what we are going to do.

“Everyone loves Alresford and they are really motivated to try and protect it.”

He also said that the new proposed A31 junction would encourage traffic from Alton to drive through the town, and Nursery Road, to reach the new industrial estate.

September’s NRRG newsletter said: “This is dangerous and completely unsuitable for a residential road. We must say loudly to Winchester that this is just not acceptable and they must find another solution.”