Ageas Bowl hotel and homes plan gets over 680 objections

The cricket venue said the plans would bring economic prosperity and job opportunities to the area as well as bring 'significant improvements' to secure the venue's own future.

But Eastleigh Borough Council has been barraged with 681 objections to the scheme - which has been branded a 'recipe for disaster' and 'a terrible idea' by residents.

READ MORE: Ageas Bowl to host public consultation on holding major events

The most common themes were fears of an increase in traffic, particularly during rush hour, schools and GPs being unable to cope and the impact on the environment.

Chris Mitchell, of Elm Gardens in West End, said: “I object to the proposed development principally on grounds of the additional strain that will inevitably be put on the overstressed local infrastructure.

“Already Botley Road is frequently clogged with excessive traffic, the local schools are oversubscribed and the doctor's surgery in West End is strained to breaking point.”

Sadie Harper, from West End, Southampton, simply said: "This is a terrible idea and is contributing to the overdevelopment of West End."

The plans would see a 142-bed budget hotel, a wellbeing centre, and a new cricket pavilion built on the site, as well as a what the Ageas Bowl described as a 'first class' 71-bedroom care home 'in an area of undersupply'.

Following a period of consultation with local residents, businesses and organisations, Calderpeel Architects published changes to its original plans last month - most significantly reducing the amount of homes from 185 to 171.

Among key partners who responded were Southampton Airport, who had no problem with the scheme, and Historic England, who supported the reduction of homes as it would lower the impact on the nearby Hickley Wood Hillfort.

Tracy Weeks, of West End, Southampton, felt the scheme needed to be considered alongside the 3,000 homes planned for the ill-fated One Horton Heath development.

She said: "The traffic is already terrible getting off of the M27 during peak times, and this is going to lead to absolute chaos.

"In addition to the traffic issues, the One Horton Heath development has yet to be completed, which will also impact the local environment and traffic flow. I fail to see how any approval for the Ageas development can be given before One Horton Heath is finished."

The Ageas Bowl Cricket Ground, formerly known as the Rose Bowl, has been the home of Hampshire cricket since construction finished in 2001.

This is not the site's first upgrade, with a four-star Hilton hotel being added at one end of the stadium in 2015.

Other residents have pointed to the loss of green space as another reason the development should be stopped.

Judith Tyser, of Kenilworth Gardens, said: “Over the past thirty years we have watched the green spaces of West End, and neighbouring areas disappear under tarmac, concrete and bricks and mortar.

“Thus, this amended application for development on the Ageas Bowl site will still be detrimental to the West End and the surrounding areas.”

In response, a spokesperson for the Ageas Bowl said: "The Ageas Bowl is a vital community asset, producing significant economic benefit and employment opportunities in the local area.

"We believe that the development will improve the site’s operation and will enhance the facilities and experience for all, whilst underpinning the financial viability of the venue. The application provides significant improvements to secure the future of this world class sport and entertainment venue. 

“This development will bring with it key improvements including improved parking facilities, attractive fan arrival zone, high quality new housing and additional hotel rooms, together with a first-class elderly care facility in an area of undersupply.”

A final decision will be made by the Hedge End, West End and Botley Local Area Committee.

A date has not yet been set for this, with the next meeting of the committee set to take place on 29 January.