People outraged as new proposals for 358-home estate in Portchester unveiled

Land to the east of Downend Road in Portchester being targeted for development

Miller Homes revealed its plans for land to the east of Downend Road in the form of a ‘screening request’ to Fareham Borough Council.

The request, which is used to find out the environmental impacts of a development, comes before any planning application.

Portchester Crematorium is to the east of the proposed development with the M27 bordering the north of the site.

The size of the development and the impact it will have on Portchester’s infrastructure has caused concern to residents and councillors.

Councillor Geoff Fazackarley, who represents Portchester East said: ‘Words fail me. I think it’s time to say enough is enough.

‘It is complete nonsense to look to build that number of homes here.

‘The developer only seems interested in making money and for us councillors and the residents, we are going to have to come together to fight this.’

He added that the continued delay of the 6,000-home Welborne estate to the north of Fareham continues to ‘pile the pressure’ on other greenfield sites in the borough.

Miller Homes anticipates the development would lead to a further 200 vehicle movements during peak hours.

Frank Nowosielski, from Quintrel Avenue, said: ‘It seems that developers are looking to fill in as many units as possible between Fareham and Portchester.

‘They are not thinking about infrastructure and the loss of green fields.’

Richard Ryan, chairman of Portchester on the Fareham Labour party said: ‘Developers seem to target greenfield sites because they are easier.

‘You don’t have to worry about demolishing any existing buildings and starting anew.

‘Developers just stick in the plans and hope the residents don’t fight them.’

A spokeswoman from Miller Homes said: ‘The site has been put forward previously as a potential development site for the council to consider.

‘We will review the outcome of the screening and hold pre-application meetings with the council before deciding whether to progress with the planning application.’

She added a public exhibition is ‘likely’ to be held prior to any planning application.