A HAMPSHIRE parish council is opposing a development giant's plans to build 120 new homes in a village near Winchester.

Residents and councillors of Sutton Scotney met, September 4, to discuss alternatives to the Wates plan for a new residential estate on Brightlands, a plot of land north of the village near the A34.

A new development of 60-plus homes was rubber-stamped by Winchester City Council in August, contradicting a 2022 ruling that Sutton Scotney should have no homes built due to the pressure they would put on the sewerage system.

READ MORE: Winchester City Council causes outrage with housing plans

Fred Schiff of Pennybar Developments was present to discuss his company's alternative plans for new housing in the village with locals (Image: Sebastian Haw)

At the event, the chair of Wonston Parish Council Pauline Maunder told the Chronicle: "I feel quite moved about the whole thing, really. We feel as if the community has been let down by Winchester City Council. There doesn’t seem to be any transparency at all. With the problems the village already has this is the final straw."

Councillors explained that the sewerage system is already under strain, and would not be able to cope with the 120 houses proposed for Brightlands.

Although Southern Water has announced plans to revamp the village's sewering, the updates will not be in force until at least 2027. The Chronicle understands it is likely Wates will start building before then.

Also present at the meeting were representatives of Pennybar Development, who were called in to present once more their plans (previously rejected by the city council).

Pennybar's director, Fred Schiff, told the Chronicle the company wants to work with Sutton Scotney residents to determine what sort of housing they would like.

In addition, Pennybar has pledged to build "not one house more" than the 60 initially planned for the city council. 

Wates was notified of the drop-in event, but did not send a representative.

SEE ALSO: Wates Residential and Winchester City Council, Winnall Flats

Cllr Maunder said: "What’s disappointing is that Wates haven’t turned up. There’s been no dialogue at all, whereas Pennybar are here to talk about what the community want. The parish council doesn’t decide who builds what here, but at least we can have some say. It just shows the total lack of respect, really."

Residents and the parish council now have a six-week consultation period to come up with alternatives to propose to Winchester City Council.

The consultation period ends on October 13.

Wates has been asked for a comment.