Plan for 180 homes and country park between Hythe and Dibden

Highwood Homes wants to transform a 50-acre site between Southampton Road and Challenger Way by building properties on four parcels  of land bordering the proposed new park.

Highwood is also planning to provide new parking and drop-off facilities for Noadswood School, plus Orchard infant and junior schools.

Highwood Homes is drawing up plans to provide 180 homes and a country park between Hythe and Dibden (Image: Newsquest)

But the scheme has come under fire from people who keep their horses and ponies on the site, which currently comprises ten fields.

READ MORE: Number of homes built in New Forest could double under plans set out by government ministers

Posting on social media, one person said: "I'm in shock. Our horses are in those fields. It may not be important to some, but to me these are my children and they may have nowhere to go."

Another described the proposed development as "absolutely awful".

They added: "There will be nowhere left to keep horses. Most of us decided to live here because it's rural, where rural people do rural things. Sadly it's turning into a concrete jungle."

Highwood Homes is drawing up plans to provide 180 homes and a country park on grazing land between Hythe and Dibden (Image: Newsquest)

Other objectors have cited huge housebuilding targets set by the government.

One said: "My prediction is that New Forest District Council will refuse it and the developer will appeal to the planning inspectorate, who will approve it. Similar situation in Fareham, where 1,200 homes are proposed on agricultural land.

"Labour's 1.5m homes target means just about anything and everything will get approved."

READ MORE: Plan to build 196 homes north of Cooks Lane, Calmore, given the green light

But other social media users have voiced support for the scheme.

One person posted: "The company looks good and their previous builds look impressive. I think the area needs regeneration and new homes." Another added: "Looks good. We need more proposals like this."

Highwood Homes is drawing up plans to provide 180 homes and a country park between Hythe and Dibden (Image: Newsquest)

Highwood is still finalising the scheme and has yet to submit a planning application to the council.

The company is due to stage an exhibition of its proposals at Hythe and Dibden Parish Hall in West Street, Hythe, on January 28.

Parish and district councillor Alex Wade said: "Highwood have been engaging with some stakeholders but this is the first opportunity for residents to understand the plans and share their thoughts.

"The proposal is for up to 180 homes on four sections of the land, alongside a country park."

Cllr Wade described it as possibly the largest development proposal in Hythe and Dibden for some time and urged people to attend the consultation.

People can already access part of the huge site, which boasts a public footpath between Home Farm and Challenger Way.

Simon Beech, land and sales director and Highwood, said: “We’ve engaged closely with stakeholders throughout the design process to ensure the site can achieve its full potential.

“Our plans will not only meet the government’s need for additional housing in the New Forest district but, by providing new parking and drop-off facilities at two local schools, will alleviate the current peak time traffic congestion issues.

“However, the centrepiece of our proposal is the new country park that extends to over 12 hectares.

“Together with respected local business General Estates, we’re seeking to gift this land to the parish council so local residents can enjoy this beautiful landscape for generations to come.”