East Hampshire District Council has approved the Homes and Communities Agency’s outline planning application for 500 homes at its Louisburg Barracks site.

The decision also support plans to build a new construction skills training centre and the first phase of a new relief road that enables access to the site and eases congestion around the town.

Work is expected to start on the road by next spring and is supported by around £10m in investment from the HCA.

This project is an early phase of local plans to build around 3,500 new homes and create up to 5,500 jobs as part of a sustainable new community in Whitehill and Bordon.

The HCA has already started its search for a development partner to produce detailed proposals for the homes and employment space at Louisburg next year.

Cllr Richard Millard, East Hampshire District Council’s Deputy Leader, said: “This is the second major planning application to be approved as part of the town’s regeneration and it shows just how far this project has progressed over the last few months.

“This scheme will radically transform the former Army barracks into a thriving community with 500 much-needed homes and jobs, and contribute significantly to a ‘step change’ in the lives of everyone in Whitehill and Bordon.”

The latest approval from councillors comes after plans for 100 new homes and employment space at the former Quebec Barracks were backed by East Hampshire District Council in July.

The approval is subject to completion of a section 106 agreement for contributions toward schools, sport, leisure and open space, transport and community facilities.

A development partner for Louisburg will be selected by the HCA before the end of the year.