More than 700 objections in ferocious backlash to plans for 200 new homes
The homes could be built across 60 acres on Lynwood Farm, which is part of the "green lung" between the two New Forest villages.
Applicant Wates Developments is proposing to build up to 200 homes, of which 70 to 35 per cent would be affordable, and also includes biodiversity enhancement areas such as "children's play fields", a community orchard and allotments.
But the plans have been criticised by neighbours, receiving 720 objections on New Forest District Council's public planning portal.
Neil Wadmore was one of those speaking out against the proposal after growing up alongside Rollestone Road near the farmland.
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"I see it as such a shame that this area of outstanding beauty and a natural habitat for so many animals and creatures is going to be destroyed, especially as there are so many Brownfield sites available for this type of plan," he said.
Mr J M Pointer, who said he has been a resident of the area for more than 50 years, called the development "unacceptable" and said it could have a "disastrous effect" on the neighbouring New Forest National Park.
Councillor Peter Armstrong joined the rest of Fawley Parish Council in objecting to the plans. (Image: Fawley Parish Council) Independent councillor Peter Armstrong joined hundreds of residents in blasting the plans, protesting the development alongside the rest of Fawley Parish Council.
"The New Forest National Park has said they're against it and it's very unusual to get their objection," he said.
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Cllr Armstrong said the plans have caused "a lot of upset locally" because a national developer has "come in and just wanted to do its own thing".
He said the farmland was supposed to be a "strategic gap" to separate the two villages.
Julie Clarke standing at the meeting. (Image: Cristiano Magaglio) More than 100 people met at Bethany Gospel Hall, which overlooks the proposed site, in March to object to the plans.
Julie Clarke is a nurse and she fears that the increase in population would stretch local resources past their limit.
At the meeting, she said: "From my point of view, it is the impact on nursing in the area. We are struggling as it is."
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