THE finishing touches are being put to plans for hundreds of homes on the outskirts of Christchurch.

Plans devised by the Regional Spatial Strategy to build nearly 600 properties on open space in Christchurch are in the process of being finalised despite the strategy being scrapped.

The overall target set by the strategy in 2008 was 3,450 new homes in the borough over the next 20 years. But after months of work new draft proposals are set to go out to public consultation in September.

While the majority of the homes are expected to be provided through in-filling and redevelopment of the existing built-up area, around 600 homes are earmarked for green belt areas outside the town, with land between the railway line and A35 looking vulnerable.

The south-west regional spatial strategy blueprint laid out the scheme for the development around Roeshot Hill but concerns have already been raised about how the existing infrastructure in the borough will support it.

Cllr Alan Griffiths, leader of Christchurch council said: “We know we need additional housing in the borough and, as there is little opportunity in the area which is already built-up, we have to look elsewhere and the area around Roeshot Hill has been identified as the best place.

“The new housing will help local people of all ages who may have had to move elsewhere to now stay in the borough and will also help businesses who need to house their employees, ultimately benefiting the economy of Christchurch."

The consultation will be asking local people about aspects of the plans including locations, housing capacity and concerns local people may have as well as what people hope to see from the development.

The master plan, which has been devised by Broadway Malyan, a company of architects and designers, will be put out to public consultation in September.