PLANS to build 55 homes in Test Valley could be given the green light.

A planning application has been submitted to Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) to build the "prestigious homes" in the Old Mansion Site, Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh.

The application, submitted by Highwood Homes, would offer a mix of one and two bedroom apartments, including a number of three and four bedroom houses, as well as one five bedroom house.

The development would boast 149 car parking spaces, a new tennis court located in the centre of the site, a woodland walk and a waterside terrace.

According to Highwood's website, the "luxury homes" would be set "to the south of the Stoneham site".

Chair of Chilworth Parish Council, Chris Patey, said: "The Parish Council have not seen the plans yet, but we are aware of them.

"We obviously welcome more homes where there is a shortage, however there is also a need for more infrastructure, such as roads to mitigate the queues of people going to work and people travelling through the area.

"The south coast is beset by what is inadequate road systems."

He added: "We are also concerned for the woodland area and would not wish to see any of it destroyed, as what we have is mature woodland."

Land and sales director at Highwood, Simon Beech, said: "Our application for these prestigious new homes on the former mansion site is an exciting addition to the wider North Stoneham project.

"Our respect for the Park's idyllic landscape remains our key commitment and, with that in mind, we have collaborated closely with both the neighbouring Stoneham Golf Club and the Eastleigh and District Angling Club, whose tranquil fishing ponds sit to the south of the development, and who have wholeheartedly endorsed our proposed scheme.

"The collection of executive homes on the mansion site will be accessed via an impressive private road that will lead to a fabulous parkland setting that will take in the surrounding woodland and natural habitats we’re working so hard to protect."

Test Valley Borough Council is due to decided on the application by February 3 2020.

This comes after it was revealed a new plan to shape affordable housing in Test Valley is being drawn up.

As previously reported in the Romsey Advertiser, a document that helps decide the approach to social housing in the borough is being created to update the previous version from 2008.

The Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) provides advice for landowners, developers, housing providers and planning agents on how the council’s policies will be implemented.