A NEW housing development has led to a local councillor raising concerns over stretched infrastructure in Beggarwood.

Linden Homes announced it will begin work on 186 homes on the new Longacre estate just off Winchester Road.

The new site will offer residents a mix of terraced, semi-detached and detached homes ranging from two to five-bedroom houses situated about three miles from the centre of Basingstoke.

Even though Basingstoke and Deane is a growing borough, ward councillor for Hatch Warren and Beggarwood, Cllr Terri Reid is worried if the right funding is not acquired, current infrastructure would be stretched.

Cllr Reid said: “One of the main concerns is the increased traffic which will go through Beggarwood.

“With two other developments also given the go-ahead, we need to be make sure we aren’t overcrowding our schools and our roads have the proper maintenance in place.”

Cllr Reid added: “There is a clear message that new houses are needed, we just need to make sure that the communities such as Beggarwood have the support they need.”

Developers Linden Homes said the Longacre estate has already proved to be quite popular, with many people taking the plunge and reserving their home off-plan, with prices starting at £287,000 for a two bedroom semidetached, ranging to £490,000 for a four-bedroom detached home, with a showhome scheduled to be open by October.

Sales and marketing director at Linden Homes Thames Valley, Shelley West said the advantage of people buying early means buyers can pick their plots. She said: “Basingstoke is ideal for families as well as those who commute to London, and this, combined with the stylish design of the homes has contributed to the high demand.”

Linden Homes said the new materials used in construction will result in homes being more energy efficient, having lower utility bills and reduced maintenance bills, as well as benefiting from the 10-year National House Building Council (NHBC) protection.