LUDGERSHALL could double in population if plans to develop land on the south side of the village are accepted.

A public exhibition outlining the proposal has been staged in the Memorial Hall and briefing meetings held for councillors and local MP Michael Ancram.

Nigel Whitehead, a consultant for WPB acting on behalf of the landowner, Georgia Developments Wessex Limited, briefed members of Tidworth Parish Council.

"We are at a very early stage but as part of the planning process we have agreed that we will involve the public and the community in all stages," he said.

"The ideas are at an early stage and I have no doubt that they will change over time."

The plans involve land that belonged to the 'Cave' group and include the building of up to 1,500 houses, a mixture of industrial development and a new road which would relieve the centre of Ludgershall.

Large numbers of heavy vehicles currently plague the village but this proposal would take through traffic away from the centre of the village and could mean that the proposed relief road through Doctors Meadow would not be required.

The development is likely to proceed in three phases, the last of which would involve the creation of the southern relief road.

"This is a major piece of road infrastructure which would enter into some of the MoD land," explained Mr Whitehead.

"There could be other significant planning gains in terms of infrastructure such as a health centre and school.

"What we are effectively doing is rounding off the urban form of Ludgershall and the development enhances what is there already.

"Other than a small corner shop the plans include no retail development but the additional housing will bolster the existing retailers in the village centre."

The proposal would seek to integrate into the rest of the village and, by removing heavy traffic, could lead to a better environment in the centre of the village making it a more pleasant place to shop.

Discussion have also been held with the rail operators about the possibility of reinstating the passenger rail service in Ludgershall.