Fawley Parish Council to consult on Lynwood Farm plans

More than 300 residents have objected to the proposals, with 542 protest letters delivered to New Forest District Council on Friday afternoon.

Campaigners are angry at the prospect of homes being built on farmland between Holbury and Blackfield.

The plans submitted by Wates Development - and the resulting objections - will be debated by the parish council's planning committee on Wednesday evening.

Members of Hands Off Our Forest and Farmland (HOOFF) will voice their concerns at the meeting, which is open to the public.

READ MORE: Holbury residents object to Lynwood Farm plans for 200 homes

Parish councils study planning applications and recommend the district council to either approve or reject them.

With hundreds of residents objecting to the proposed planning development on the council's planning portal, Emma Edgar said: "The land in question directly borders New Forest National Park.

"The New Forest is an area of unique character and is of national importance. Development this close to the Forest would have a disastrous effect on this very special place."

Colin Jones added: "If the development is permitted, traffic emerging on the Rollestone Road from the site will create an unacceptable volume of vehicle both during and after construction.

"The area is heavily populated with ponies, cattle, and donkeys who will be put at risk from the additional traffic."

With 358 objections online, only seven people have written on the council's planning portal to voice approval of the plans.

HOOFF member Chris Hems has said: "I think everyone appreciates that new homes need to be built and there’s a big demand for them, but it was a shock to see the plans to build new homes were on this greenfield site.

“Lynwood Farm dates back to beyond the 1800s and has never been built on before and there’s all sorts of wildlife that inhabit the field.

“The proposal is in conflict with the need to conserve landscape and scenic beauty within the national park.”