PROPOSALS for Christchurch council to join forces with two other authorities over plans for a large housing development will be partially decided this week.

New Forest District Council is set to debate the idea of entering into an inter-authority agreement between Christchurch, New Forest and the National Park Authority over plans to manage a proposed green space at Roeshot Hill in Christchurch.

The SANG (Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space) would be built at Roeshot Hill as part of plans for a major new development at the site which would include 875 new houses, a play area and community centre.

In June, outline plans for the housing development were approved by Christchurch council. This included access proposals from Lyndhurst Road, Christchurch Bypass and Hawthorn Road.

As part of the inter-authority agreement, a report to New Forest District Council's planning committee said: "The SANG is required in order to mitigate the potential harm caused by the occupiers of the new dwellings within Christchurch to the nature conservation interest of protected sites including the New Forest.

"It is proposed to provide an integrated network of paths for use by existing and future residents, including bridge enhancements, a pond, a car park, upgrading of existing rights of way and plating of woodland, hedgerow, trees and wildflower meadows, to enhance the experience of walkers and biodiversity interests."

It adds: "The purpose of the SANG is to attract recreational users, being well related to the associated housing development, thereby taking pressure off important protected wildlife sites."

Land next to the site is intended for gravel extraction, but Hampshire County Council Minerals and Waste Authority do not consider that the proposal would "sterilise" resources, but would be dependent upon the final layout of the SANG.

They suggest minerals should be extracted during construction.

The report also says: "It should however, be noted that mineral extraction is proposed on an adjoining site at Roeshot, which will undoubtedly impact upon the quiet enjoyment of the SANG as a recreational facility."

Members are recommended to grant the authorisation.