Meeting against 200 homes between Blackfield and Holbury

Residents living in Holbury and Blackfield met on Saturday to object to a 200 home development on ancient farmland between the villages.

The meeting, organised by Hands Off Our Forest and Farmland (HOOF), took place at the Bethany Gospel Hall, which overlooks Lynwood Farm.

This farmland is where the homes will be built if proposals submitted by Wates Development are approved by New Forest District Council.

Residents raised concerns about an increase in traffic, strain on infrastructure and protection of the environment.

READ MORE: Plan to build 200 homes between Blackfield and Holbury

Tempers flared during the meeting as residents made their strong feelings on the subject known (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

Resident Nicola Phipps, said: “This is not about saying we don’t want new homes, it's about protecting the forest.

“Developing on it would cause untold damage to the forest and it flies in the face of local and national policies.

“They are very ancient fields and you can’t easily replace what is lost.”

The proposed plans  (Image: Wates Developments)

Debbie Hill lives directly next to the proposed site.

She said: "It is going to be detrimental to the area. With the wildlife as well, there are badgers, foxes, and deer.

"If the previous owners knew what's happening, they would be turning in their graves." 

READ MORE: Village residents divided over plans to build up to 200 homes

Julie Clarke is a nurse and she fears that the increase in population would stretch local resources past their limit.

She said: "From my point of view, it is the impact on nursing in the area. We are struggling as it is."

Nurse Julie Clarke (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

Another resident Liz Young said the area is beginning to become a "housing sprawl".

She said: "We struggle with the traffic here as it is, we are almost the biggest cul de sac in the world. The infrastructure just isn't here."

Ian Shrive added: "We are just trying to look after what we have got, and we have beautiful countryside around here."

Liz Young and Ian Shrive (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

Jane Patz attended the meeting on horseback.

She said: "We can't take another 200 houses, let alone another 400 cars on the road. My garden has bats and other wildlife, they are going to go if this development happens."

Jane Patz (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

Chris Hems of HOOFF was pleased with the turnout for the event, saying that the campaign is about "protecting that land."

A spokesperson for Wates Development said: "Two thirds of the site will remain undeveloped. The 46 acres of public green space that we are providing alongside the houses will support and encourage local wildlife through biodiversity enhancements.

"The open space, with areas of species-rich wildflower meadows and ponds, will replicate New Forest habitats with scrubs and woodland. 

"In the New Forest district, 1,501 new homes a year are required a year to meet Government targets,with an average of 187 new homes added per year since 2021. 

"Alongside this, there are more than 2,000 households locally waiting for affordable housing. Our proposals will be a real step forward in providing more new homes for people."

The site is adjacent to the New Forest, and the New Forest National Park Authority has objected to the development due to the potential impact on the national park.