ALRESFORD residents fear their roads could become rat runs after draft traffic plans were circulated around the town.

A developer Seaward Properties is drawing up plans for nearly 400 homes off Sun Lane.

Their sketch shows ideas for a new A31 junction, at the bottom of Sun Hill.

The town council has supported proposals to build homes at Sun Lane, which would include 15 hectares of open public space and a five-hectare industrial site.

The idea, being promoted as part of Winchester City Council's Local Plan Part Two, has stirred much controversy, and following a recent meeting with developer Seaward, residents have fresh fears for the future of their roads.

Ralph Pointer, of Nursery Road, said at the full council meeting on Thursday (OCT 9) that he was concerned about where traffic from the new development would go.

“The diagram from the developer goes against everything this council has said,” he said.

“When the plan was given to us we were told there was no access for traffic on to Sun Lane.”

The diagram, which has not been released to the town council, does not have a junction for access from Alton.

The Nursery Road Residents Group September newsletter said: “If this plan goes ahead we will see greatly increased volumes of traffic, including HGVs and construction traffic, along out road and we need to keep campaigning hard to ensure Nursery Road does not become the rat run it looks destined to be under this plan.”

Sam Kerr-Smiley, the group's chairman, said at the meeting that he will discuss traffic with the developer next week.

Lisa Griffiths, town council chairman, said: “The diagram is an idea. Nothing is firm. We are waiting for more meetings and planning.”

Roy Gentry, town councillor, said: “We said we do not want to see any vehicular access on to Sun Lane or Tichborne Down. We do not suggest any solutions, that is the responsibility of the developers.

"If they feel inclined to build a viaduct over Bishop's Sutton then so be it. Let's not suggest hypothetical solutions before they have been put on the table.”

Mr Kerr-Smiley also put forward ideas about creating 20mph zones in Alresford.

The public consultation for Local Plan Part Two starts on October 24.