TOWN chiefs have agreed to financially support a group who want to draw up an alternative vision for the future of Alresford.

The town council agreed to work with the professional group, or community group as they are now known, in July, to help create new plans for where nearly 400 homes could go.

It comes as part of Winchester City Council's Local Plan Part Two, and after much controversy among residents about the most appropriate site, the group stepped forward.

They said they would work with residents to create an alternative vision 'for Alresford, by Alresford', and have asked the council for financial backing to cover the cost of exhibitions.

They originally wanted £10,000, but since dropped it to £2,500.

At last month's full council meeting, community group leader Jeremy Collins asked for the money.

Some councillors and residents said they thought it would pave the way for other groups to request funding, including developer Seaward.

Cllr Ann Stow said: “I feel that actually the town council has done quite a lot of work, and people engaged. Despite what people say it was pretty well advertised. It was as well advertised as humanly possible. With the best will in the world I cannot see what you [the community group] are giving to the party.”

Cllr Barbara Jeffs said: “£2,500 is unrealistic, but we could offer some help.”

Steve Coward, of New Farm Road, said he strongly opposed the idea.

“I would like to put on record to oppose any public money being granted to put forward their plans for what is an alternative to the Sun Lane proposal,” he said.

“My concern is that if you open that up, what is there to stop Seaward coming forward and asking for the same money?”

Cllr Roy Gentry proposed to award the group half the money from the grants budget.

Four councillors voted in favour, four rejected, and chairman Lisa Griffiths had the casting vote.

She said: “It sits very uncomfortably with me. I understand what you say about having further engagement with people, and we should do that. A lot of people that worked on it [Sun Lane proposal] feel insulted that their work has been discarded.”

Mrs Griffiths agreed to giving £1,250 to the group.