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HAMPSHIRE County Council cabinet members are up in arms at government proposals to increase the county's quota of new homes in the latest review of the South-East Plan.

The plans have also come under fire from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust officials.

Council officers have been instructed by the authority's cabinet to object in the strongest possible terms to modifications to the draft regional plan, which call for 133,700 new homes between now and 2026.

There is no change to the figures (3,910) proposed in Romsey and Southern Test Valley. However, the borough council has to allocate a total of 6,600 new homes in the northern and central section of Test Valley, which stretches from Michelmersh and Timsbury, Lockerley and East Dean, in the south, up to the Berkshire border.

This is an increase of 1,100 dwellings on what was originally proposed. Most of the additional homes have been earmarked for the Andover area.

Hampshire deputy leader, Roy Perry , who represents the Romsey Extra division, said: "This nine per cent increase will impact badly on us all and the thought of even more if the Government gets its way really would make a mockery of environmental sustainability and local opinion.

"Liberal Democrats in Romsey are trying to pretend the 800 houses at Abbotswood are all Test Valley's fault, when, in reality, these tremendous planning pressures are being imposed on Hampshire, including Test Valley, by this failed government."

He said only a change of government could see the housing requirement reduced.

In the meantime, he said: "...we must plan for good-quality design and maintenance of gaps to stop communities merging into one another. That will require careful planning. I doubt the 3,910 (Romsey and Southern TV) can be stopped, but the threat of even more can be stopped by removing the Government."

However, the Government has suggested it may delete "strategic gap policies" and has removed policies restricting new housing development to areas where there is existing infrastructure, with roads, schools and health facilities already in place.

Hampshire and IoW Wildlife Trust boss, Debbie Tann, said: "I am disappointed and angry at the scale of development in the draft plan. The government office is just not listening. We really need the public to help influence this plan before it's too late."

Anyone who wishes to comment on the plan has until October 24. Details on the plan can be found at gose.limehouse.co.uk and copies can be obtained from the wildlife trust, on 08489 774443.

9:01am Saturday 27th September 2008

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