FEARS that planners may throw out an outline application for a large development that could generate planning gain has triggered a last-minute plea by Four Marks Parish Council for the application to go to a full planning committee.

In a letter to East Hampshire District Council, parish council chairman Bryan Timms is urging planners to ensure that the plan, by Local Homes Ltd, to build 69 homes west of Lymington Barn, Lymington Bottom Road, in neighbouring South Medstead, is subject to debate.

Mr Timms said that while he, like others, does not want another 175 homes in the Four Marks/Medstead ward, as dictated by the emerging joint core strategy, "it is going to happen" and, in his opinion, it is incumbent on councillors "to identify the best sites within the ward that will bring the most benefit to the local community".

For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.