The North Hampshire Downs need to be protected for the benefit of all the Basingstoke and surrounding communities. The speculative concept of "Upper Swallick Garden Village" is inappropriate on this beautiful Downland. Please do not include this site in the new Local Plan.

"Upper Swallick" would cover an area the size of central Basingstoke, consisting of at least 2,500 houses in stunning countryside south of Basingstoke. It would engulf the village of Cliddesden and have a devastating effect on Ellisfield, Winslade and all the surrounding villages as well as ruining easy access to the countryside from Brighton Hill and Hatch Warren. 

The rolling hills of the North Hampshire Downs are appreciated and loved by all who enjoy walking, running and cycling along the lanes and footpaths that cover this beautiful landscape. This area is the "Lungs" of Basingstoke. The long views, fresh air and contact with nature and the seasons are important to our mental and physical wellbeing.

Traffic levels would rise to unacceptable levels on the A339, B3046 to the Candovers and roads through Brighton Hill and Hatch Warren accessing Basingstoke. Rat runs would be created on smaller roads leading to Junctions 5,  6 and 7 of the M3. 

The land is farmed and should remain as farmland, it plays an important role providing food, flood protection and carbon capture, helping to prevent climate change, sustain the environment and supporting great biodiversity.

Once this farmland is gone, it is gone.

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