Developer Hallam Land has asked East Hampshire District Council for outline planning permission to build 225 houses on land north of Basingstoke Road in Alton.

Currently there are 12 objections to the scheme from members of the public, with no comments in favour.

One objector commented on the potential damage to Alton’s history: “This is actually only one of three developments about to engulf five Grade II listed historic features of Alton: the farm with a Domesday barn, where Farmer Gunner wrote historic diaries, where Fanny Adams tragically inspired an English folk song.”

Another wrote: “I bet these places are again out of reach to ordinary people in terms of price. Do something brave for once and do not allow planning permission.”

Because the council does not have a five-year housing land supply, planning rules dictate a ‘tilted balance’ in favour of development unless harm caused by it can be shown to outweigh the benefit.

East Hampshire District Council housing development officer Dave Lindsay said the site was outside the settlement boundary of Alton but had been identified for housing development in the emerging Local Plan and the Alton Neighbourhood Plan.

The Hampshire Home Choice housing waiting list currently has 420 applicants with a living, working or family connection to Alton, with those looking for smaller starter homes in the majority. There are 192 applicants seeking a one-bedroom home, 113 looking for two bedrooms, 75 wanting three and 40 in need of four.

In his report on the application, Mr Lindsay said: “The identified housing need for Alton and the wider district remains high, particularly for rented accommodation.

“The council’s housing and economic development needs assessment also confirms a significant need for low-cost home ownership products, such as shared ownership.”

The public consultation period ends on February 18 and the application reference number is EHDC-25-1488-OUT.