Plan to build 200 homes between Blackfield and Holbury

People living in the Holbury and Blackfield area have formed an action group called Hands Off Our Forest and Farmland (HOOF).

The public meeting will be held at Bethany Gospel Hall in Rollestone Road, Holbury, on Saturday, March 1, starting at 11am.

The hall overlooks Lynwood Farm - known locally as Ormans Fields - where the homes will be built if proposals submitted by Wates Development are approved by New Forest District Council.

Wates Developments is planning to build 200 homes on farmland between Blackfield and Holbury (Image: Wates/OSP Arhitecture)

Protesters say the site borders the New Forest National Park boundary and should be protected to preserve the character of the area and safeguard important wildlife.

READ MORE: Proposal to build 200 homes on farmland between Holbury and Blackfield

Residents are invited to walk the site boundary before dropping into the gospel hall for refreshments and a chance to meet others opposed to the scheme.

HOOF member Chris Hems said: "We want people to incorporate the boundary into a Forest walk, then come to the hall to find out more and see how they can add their voice to the campaign."

An application to redevelop the site has been submitted to New Forest District Council (Image: Newsquest)

The proposed new homes, scores of which will be affordable, will be built behind houses on the southern side of Rollestone Road.

But Wates says 70 per cent of the site will occupied by public open space that will include biodiversity enhancement areas and "children’s play fields", plus a community orchard and allotments.

The company is vowing to provide a mix of house types, sizes, and tenures to meet local housing need.

The development will incorporate a raft of eco-friendly measures including Net Zero Carbon-ready housing, EV charging, solar panels and a car club.

A planning application has been submitted to the council following a public consultation.

A Wates spokesperson said: "In the New Forest district, it often takes years before local people can find a place to live.

"In response, we are proposing much-needed quality housing including affordable homes for social and affordable rent, and shared ownership opportunities.

"The 46 acres of public open space that we are providing alongside the houses, on what is currently privately-owned land, will support and encourage local wildlife through biodiversity enhancements.

"The open space will also form a green buffer between the new homes and the New Forest National Park.

"We are proposing a well-designed attractive development for people in different stages of life, that would fit well into the local environment."

HOOF says parking will be available at the Royal British Legion in Exbury Road, Blackfield, and at the gospel hall.