AN Andover man is campaigning against a 24-home development which he says will cause major traffic problems.

Mr John Davis, of Leigh Gardens, has been alerting passers-by with a placard urging then to object to a 24-home housing estate off Leigh Road.

He claims that drivers already use Leigh Road as a rat-run and he believes that the estate scheme by Brookworth Developments would make things worse.

But in a supporting argument for the development, planning consultants say that 'the number of trips generated will not be significant enough to cause environmental impact on the urban surroundings'.

And they add: "The proximity to Andover town centre will help encourage non-car travel modes."

Mr Davis, however, said: "I object to the site entrance which is situated directly opposite a row of parked cars, because the occupants of the terraced houses don't have garages or off-street parking."

Already residents of Leigh Gardens have to pull out half-way across the road in order to see on-coming traffic in Leigh Road.

He has been leafleting residents in nearby streets, as well as standing in Leigh Road with a placard, urging people to object.

Mr Davis does not object in principle to the development, but he believes that the access road is in the wrong place and that there are better access alternatives.

The outline planning application by Brookworth involves the demolition of two homes and the construction of 24 homes ranging from four bedroom houses to two bedroom flats.

Developers say that the design has sought to find a balance between the provision of a higher density scheme - in line with government guidance - and the suburban character of the immediate surroundings.

And their supporting letter says: "The principle of residential development on this windfall site is acceptable in the light of national and local planning policies, particularly in areas well served by facilities and public transport such as the application site."