CONTROVERSIAL plans for a £2.5 million link road serving a major new Gosport housing estate have won the "reluctant" backing of highway chiefs.

The road will run between the A32 and Priddy's Hard, which has been earmarked for the development of up to 800 new homes.

Noise mitigation barriers up to four metres high are proposed where the road passes near properties in the Elson and Hardway areas. But Hampshire County Council fears that the structural maintenance, as well as the visual and environmental aspects of the barriers will cause serious concern.

Barratt Homes, which has asked the county council to adopt the road, is now looking at replacing the barriers with two metre high brick walls.

Although the walls would have a less adverse visual impact, they would reduce the mitigation effect against noise intrusion.

Deputy county surveyor, David Tarrant complained that the link road would fulfil no strategic function, bringing only partial relief to some of the congested local roads.

"In terms of value-for-money the road fulfils limited functions and the whole development package for Priddy's Hard may well have achieved better value if approached without the link road."

But he said the council should adopt the road, adding it would also give the council more control over its detailed design and future use.

Labour member Sid Leyland protested the new housing estate and the link road would do nothing for Gosport - except put more traffic on the already overloaded A32.

The committee reluctantly agreed to raise no objection to the construction and adoption of the link road, subject to the developers entering into a special agreement.

Under the agreement, Barratt must meet the full cost of the link road, as well as paying for traffic calming measures and new bus stops and shelters in Green Lane.

The company must also provide full indemnification, with a guarantee bond against all potential compensation liabilities that might result from the construction and use of the road.

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