John Pilcher slams Ageas Bowl plans for new homes, hotel and more

A 183-home estate, new hotel and an independent living complex with 71 units are planned for the West End site.

But there has been a mixed response to the plans.

John Pilcher, who has lived in his Botley Road home since 1991, branded the proposals by Hampshire County Cricket Club as "pure greed".

The 71-year-old told the Echo he can remember a time when cows grazed on the fields behind his house where the vast stadium now stands.

John Pilcher, 71, who lives on Botley Road

"We are going to have about 1,000 cars around us with access off of Botley Road, which is absolutely ridiculous," he said.

"For 25 years, we've had aggro. First it was the cricket club and aggravation from the construction companies.

"Then it's aggravation from the concerts, the lights and stuff like that."

When Oasis performed at the Ageas Bowl, then known as the Rose Bowl in 2005, Mr Pilcher's front garden wall was knocked down by fans on their way home.

He said: "How can all them new houses benefit us?

"This is just pure greed, it's not going to enhance the sports facility, not going to enhance the cricket or the golf course."

Plans for the new estate. Photos: LDA/Hampshire County Cricket Club

Mr Pilcher added that the new homes look "exceptionally expensive", and would be no use to those looking to get onto the property ladder.

As well as a new estate, comprising 103 houses and 80 apartments, the scheme looks to construct a new hotel to "compliment" the existing Hilton. It would offer 135 double bedrooms.

To the southwest, an independent living tower with 71 ensuite units is proposed.

Residents have given their views on the Echo's Facebook page.

Sheila Perry said: "Another housing estate and hotel, hundreds of cars to add to the existing chaos on local roads."

Chris Wood added: "Putting houses there will be like the cricket ground signing away it's right to have music events there. The minute people move in, they will have the right to put in noise complaints about anything that happens at the cricket ground."

But Ian Faulkner said: "We need houses in the area, there is a shortage, people have to live somewhere."

The existing car park would be redesigned to have 945 spaces, a new access point to the stadium would be created, as would a wellbeing centre and a new pavilion.

These plans have not yet been submitted to Eastleigh Borough Council.

Ageas Bowl wellbeing centre plans. Photos: LDA/Hampshire County Cricket Club

Cllr Richard Gomer, for West End, said: "We expect to receive one (a planning application) in due course, once the developer has concluded their consultation and considered the feedback that they've received.

"There are some positive elements within the plans, and it's important that we recognise the benefits that come from well planned development.

"But, it's also important that we make sure West End is benefited by whatever is brought forward and that the plans don't diminish our sense of place, our natural environment, or contribute to problems with traffic."

He urged people to share their views.