New A27 junction '˜will relieve congestion'

So says Councillor David Guest, who leads planning in Havant.

He said a new exit near to the Emsworth services would help ease jams.

He said: ‘This new junction will really help to ease congestion in Havant and I think it will make the area more desirable for businesses to move to.’

Several other new development sites have been identified in the major development strategy plan for the area.

They include: Lower Road, Bedhampton (50 homes); Land east of Castle Avenue, Warblington (60 homes); Littlepark House, Bedhampton (47 homes); Southleigh Park House (35 homes); Hollybank Lane and Redlands House, Emsworth (225 homes); Selangor Avenue, Emsworth (154 homes); Station Road, Hayling Island (161 homes); Rook Farm, Hayling Island (394 homes).

Certain areas have had to be excluded.

Green space is being kept at Havant Thicket amid future plans to build a reservoir.

And areas around the coastline – including protected bird sites and the Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – have not been included in the development plan.

A public consultation is due to be launched on July 25 and will run until September 9.

Cllr Guest said: ‘We’re really determined to make sure that this plan has local interests at its heart and we will be talking to residents about the proposed new homes and where they are planned to go.’