ROBUST discussions were held between residents and developers proposing to build around 850 new homes on land in Christchurch.

More than 200 people attended Taylor Wimpey’s exhibition unveiling their plans for Roeshot Hill in Christchurch.

But many residents expressed dismay over the lack of plans for a new school, medical centre and new road to the site.

Instead, access for the development, which will reach from Salisbury Road in Burton to the top of Roeshot Hill, will be accessed via the existing Lyndhurst Road and Hawthorn Road, known as Staple Cross.

Posters detailing Taylor Wimpey’s plans, which currently exclude the allotment site, said a mix of housing will be provided including up to four bedroom houses along with apartments and affordable housing.

Primarily the properties will be for families, with plans for a full-size sports pitch and children’s play area along with a community building.

SANG – Suitable Alternative Natural Green space – will be provided in three different areas from the site, on land owned by the Meyrick Estates.

Buses will run from Sainsbury’s, while there are suggestions of junction improvement, possibly traffic signals, at the Burton exit onto the bypass.

Subject to highways approval from Dorset County Council, the plans also proposed a new roundabout on Lyndhurst Road to the east, while the overtaking lane on Roeshot Hill would be removed, the scheme suggests.

A new road will not be built to access the site, despite previous calls from residents and local councillors for new infrastructure to serve the 850 new homes.

And despite an ongoing school place crisis in Christchurch, a new school will not be built on the site, despite the houses being designated as ‘family homes’.

The exclusion of a medical centre was also a talking point among residents.

Concerned resident, Derek Chaffey said: “There is nothing good about it. Access is going to be a major issue and they are proposing changes to the existing road that don’t make any sense.”

Linda Clarke, added: “It’s frankly appalling. They don’t seem to know Christchurch, what’s needed or anything else.

“To add an extra 850 homes, with no mention of a school, medical centre or added road infrastructure is absolutely baffling.”

A spokesperson for Taylor Wimpey said: “We were really pleased with the turnout at our public exhibition, and we had some very useful discussions with local residents, councillors and other stakeholders about issues, aspirations and priorities relating to our proposed development.

“We will look carefully at the comments we receive during our public consultation and this feedback will be used to help us develop our proposals as we prepare an outline planning for submission to Christchurch Borough Council in early 2016.”