ONE of Fareham’s biggest development fights is set to reach its climax today.

Fareham council is due to decide the first three applications for plans for more than 800 homes in Warsash from four separate developers.

The plans, which form part of the councils local plan for housing have been the subject of severe resistance from residents with a petition of more than 2,000 signatures handed to Fareham Borough Council.

A protest was also held on Sunday, December 3 last month which drew more than 450 objectors out onto the streets of Warsash to make their feelings clear.

Richard Thomas, from the Save Warsash and the Western Wards Campaign, said: “We recognise that there is a need for more development, we have had a lot already.

“But what hasn’t happened is the infrastructure keeping pace with the development.

“An additional 1,200 homes on greenfield including 800 in Warsash is inappropriate and the design of the sites do not cater to the actual needs of the area.

Rachel Follett, also from the Save Warsash and the Western Wards campaign, who are leading the fight added: “It’s not that we don’t want development, its the sheer volume is proposed.

“We haven’t got the road infrastructure or facilities in place to accommodate them at present.”

Under the plans, Foreman Homes have put in plans to build a 180-home estate on land off Brooks Lane and Lockswood Road in Warsash.

Taylor Wimpey is also looking to build 85 homes on land just north of the Foreman development, also off Brooks Lane.

Bargate Homes have revealed new proposals for 140 homes off Greenaway Lane – south of the Foreman site.

Land and Partners has also submitted plans for 185 dwellings on the Chapelfield Park industrial site, south of Greenway Lane, however this development will be decided on at a later date.

Councillor Trevor Cartwright, who represents Warsash on the borough council added: “I voted against the proposals at the Executive in October because the infrastructure is not there to support the homes.

“Since the Cranleigh Road appeal has come out where the inspector has said that we have a two-year housing supply instead of five has opened up the development floodgates which could have devastating consequences for Warsash and could increase the population 30 per cent.”

Brain Smale, chairman of the Warsash Residents Association, said:”We have to accept our fair share of housing in Fareham but 800 homes is too many.”

In response, Councillor Sean Woodward, leader of Fareham Borough Council said: “Everyone has a right to express their views on the local plan, I welcome people becoming involved.

“It is important if these developments go ahead that road improvements and school places are provided in a timely fashion.

“When I grew up in Warsash, many of the homes that are there now were Strawberry Fields so I share the same views.”

The plans will be determined next Wednesday.