PROPOSALS for development between Eastleigh and Colden Common are still dividing planners.

Eastleigh Borough Council wants to see a chunk of development on countryside between Bishopstoke/Fair Oak and Colden Common, with more than 5.000 new homes, schools, open space and new link road between Allbrook Hill, Bishopstoke and Fair Oak.

The area abuts the boundary of the Winchester district, with the proposed road cutting into Winchester.

A Statement of Common Ground has been drawn up by the two authorities stating each authority’s position for submission to a planning inspector who will examine the Eastleigh Local Plan.

Eastleigh at the moment does not have a Local Plan which makes it vulnerable to ad hoc development.

Winchester has raised several concerns about Eastleigh’s proposals for the area.

One is the proposed new major road which Winchester doubts is financially viable, being dependent on new housing development, or technically feasible. The county council, the highways authority, has not confirmed the route or if design is satisfactory.It is also concerned about the impact of on the flood plain of the River Itchen, one of the most environmentally sensitive rivers in the UK.