PLANS have been unveiled for new homes on a greenfield site in a Hampshire village despite anger from hundreds of residents who say they will destroy wildlife in the area.

Hampshire County Council has submitted plans to build up to 70 homes on land just off Heath Road in Locks Heath.

The land, which Hampshire County Council owns, is currently used as scrub woodland and grassland which is not accessible to the public.

The proposed properties will consist of a mix of residential dwellings that include detached, semi-detached, and terraced houses as well as ‘retirement’ apartments along with a respite centre which will provide care for up to eight adults requiring specialist care.

But residents say the plans will damage the local environment and destroy vital wildlife habitats.

Heath Road resident Andrea Florey said: "In Locks Heath only just over 10 per cent of this relatively small, quite densely populated ward is woodland and open space. That is low.

"Although this HCC owned site has not been open to public access, this has afforded our squeezed local wildlife a safer haven as a result that will be compromised by a development of 70 units. Visually, these woods afford residents an attractive environment."

Ed Lait, also of Heath Road added: "This land off Heath Road should be left alone or used as a park for the local people and the animals, birds and other wildlife to enjoy.

Alice Seward, who also lives on Heath Road said: " It seems that every pocket of green space is being taken for further housing.

"I understand that further houses may be required but to squeeze as many houses on a site as possible is an eye sore and creates other problems with regards to parking and traffic.

"I also regularly see wildlife in his area and where will that go?"

In response, Hampshire County Council said the proposed development at Heath Road will help to meet a wide range of local housing needs including traditional family houses of varying sizes, affordable dwellings, specialist supported care units, and apartments for the growing elderly population.

It also said it was committed to facilitating sustainable development, with appropriate infrastructure, to serve the local community as well as establishing new green spaces to respond positively to biodiversity and create a high-quality public realm.

The proceeds from the sale from the development of the County Council’s land will also be reinvested to support the on-going delivery of its public services across the county, such as education, social care for both adults and children, and transport.

The proposals will be considered by the Fareham Borough Council planning committee later this year.