A DEVELOPER that wants to see controversial building in a Hampshire market town will throw its weight behind the idea at an exhibition this week.

Technical consultants from Seaward Properties will be present at the latest Local Plan Part Two exhibition in Alresford.

The developer has backed proposals for building nearly 400 homes at Sun Lane.

The exhibition is being put on by the city council as part of its consultation with residents about where the homes could go.

Sean Phillips, chief executive of Seaward, said: “The site at Sun Lane is unique as it provides, in one sustainable location, the opportunity to meet all of the future needs of Alresford as identified by the local plan and the town council's needs group.

“Sun Lane can provide the 320 new homes required by the plan, along with wider ranging community benefits such as 15 hectares of open space, five hectares of employment and commercial use, a new A31 junction to ease the existing and future traffic pressure on the local roads, and enabling the expansion of the Sun Hill schools, to list a few of the benefits the site can deliver for the town.

“The future development of Sun Lane will be achieved in a carefully managed, phased approach, rather than all in one go as it has been suggested.

“We are committed to engaging with residents to influence the future development of the site, such as what they want it to look like and provide for the local community, this is the start of a much longer process for our team.”

In July the town council controversially backed building at Sun Lane, following a string of hostile public meetings and exhibitions.

The community group, which wants to create an alternative plan, met with residents in mid October.

The exhibition is at Alresford Community Centre, on Friday, November 7, between 3pm and 7.30pm.