HUGELY controversial plans for up to 400 new houses in West Harnham are back on the agenda, the Journal has been told.

Building firm Bovis Homes appears to have its eye on green fields on Netherhampton Road, between Booker and In-Excess.

Its surveyors have been busy sizing up the plot, which features on the council's list of potential areas for new housing.

The firm told the Journal it was interested in the site, saying it was one of a number being assessed and would "feature in forthcoming discussions".

Proposals for 400 homes and an industrial estate in the area six years ago sparked massive protest.

Residents in their cars brought rush-hour traffic to a standstill along Netherhampton Road to demonstrate what impact the proposed development would have on their community.

At the time, Salisbury MP Robert Key criticised the plans as "a development too far".

Faced with fierce opposition, Wiltshire Council removed the site from its core strategy, but added a clause saying it would look at it again in the future.

A spokesman for Bovis Homes told the Journal: “This site has previously been identified as a reserve allocation to help deliver the new housing required to meet Salisbury’s needs.

“Following adoption of the Core Strategy, Wiltshire Council is now preparing a Housing Sites Development Plan Document, which will consider locations for new housing.

“Along with other house builders, Bovis Homes will look to support this process, and this site is one of a number that is being assessed and will feature in forthcoming discussions