A DEVELOPER has been slammed for plans to build hundreds more homes in an Andover community.

Persimmon Homes has submitted controversial proposals to construct 512 properties at Picket Twenty, despite originally announcing plans to extend the site by just 300 homes.

The sweeping changes to the blueprint have left scores of residents up in arms, with Nigel Long, Test Valley borough councillor for the St Mary’s ward, calling on Persimmon to finish the initial Picket Twenty project before expanding the site.

Cllr Long told the Advertiser: “When they had an exhibition two years ago they proposed 300 homes, now they are proposing over 500. That’s almost double the amount of houses.

“They haven’t even finished the infrastructure for the original Picket Twenty development.

“Perhaps they should start finishing projects before they start looking at more developments in the future.”

Cllr Long’s comments came after Persimmon hosted a public exhibition in the Picket Twenty Community Centre last Friday, giving residents a chance to examine plans and submit their feedback.

Almost 100 people turned up to have their say, but were left even more furious when bosses from Persimmon failed to turn up.

Representatives of planning consultants Savills were instead left to answer questions from homeowners in the area during the fiveand- a-half-hour consultation.

Simon Fife, associate director for Savills, said: “This site has always been marked as an integrated expansion of Picket Twenty.

“It’s very positive in terms of meeting Andover’s housing needs over the next ten to 15 years and that 40 per cent of the houses will be affordable developments.”

The Andover Advertiser contacted Persimmon Homes for comment following the exhibition.

A spokesperson said: “Paul Bedford, senior land and planning manager for Persimmon Homes South Coast, said he was called away shortly before the public exhibition.

“However, the event was coordinated by our consultants from Savills and Vuepoint Consulting, who were available to answer questions about the scheme and gather feedback from those attending.

“Regarding the question raised about the number of homes being proposed, it should be noted that the scheme is compatible with the density of current development at Picket Twenty.”