Campaigners Hands Off Our Forest and Farmland (HOOFF) to hold public meeting against plans for 200 homes on Lynwood Farm site off Rollestone Road, between Blackfield and Holbury

CAMPAIGNERS against 200-home plans for a former Waterside farm are to hold a public meeting on the proposals.

As reported in the A&T, Wates Developments wants to develop a site south of Rollestone Road in Holbury in a two-part hybrid scheme.

The first is an outline application for the demolition of two bungalows and farm buildings, the construction of up to 200 homes – including 70 affordable properties – and new vehicle access onto Rollestone Road.

The second is a full application setting out how public amenities such as orchards, allotments and play areas will be created alongside a provision for an Area of Natural Recreational Greenspace (ANRG) and pedestrian access onto Rollestone Road.

Campaign group Hands Off Our Forest and Farmland (HOOFF) wants residents to attend the meeting and add their voices to the fight.

The group says the land should be protected from development to preserve the character of the Forest, retaining ancient farmland and preserving the area’s “very important” wildlife. They also claim current infrastructure is insufficient for the additional homes.

HOOFF member Chris Hems said: “We want people, their families, dogs and horses to incorporate the site boundary into a Forest walk and then to come to the Bethany Gospel Hall to find out more and see how they can add their voice to the campaign.”

Parking has been arranged at the British Legion in Exbury Road, Blackfield, for those who want to start their walk at King’s Copse, and at Gang Warily for those starting from Bethany Gospel Hall.

The application has drawn 53 letters of objection, with concerns including increased traffic, loss of greenbelt and the impact on wildlife, which includes bats and nesting peregrine falcons.

One objector said the loss of back-up grazing would also impact commoning: “This loss is not just about land, it is an irreversible blow to a centuries-old tradition that sustains the New Forest. There is no positive outcome for the Forest in this development – only destruction of the very system that keeps it thriving.

“For over 50 years, my grandfather and father have made hay from this agricultural land, sustaining our livestock through generations. But what now? Where do you propose we make hay when this land is lost?

“Developments like these do nothing to secure the future of commoning – instead, they push us toward extinction. If commoners can no longer continue their way of life, the New Forest itself has no future. Meanwhile, those profiting from the sale of these homes fail to see that without commoning, the very landscape they are selling will be irreversibly changed.”

The application has also drawn five letters of support due to the “much-needed” new homes.

The site, known as Lynwood Farm, was run by brothers John and George Orman, and once boasted a large collection of vintage farm machinery including many tractors and engines. However, neither married and, after their deaths, the huge collection was auctioned in 2018.

New Forest District Council has extended its public consultation until 14th May, after which it will make its decision on the site.

The HOOFF meeting will be held on Saturday 1st March at Bethany Gospel Hall on Rollestone Road between 11am and 2.30pm.