Over 200 residents attend meeting against plans for homes on Lynwood Farm site off Rollestone Road, between Blackfield and Holbury

OVER 200 residents attended a meeting against plans for a former Waterside farm to be turned into a new housing estate.

As reported in the A&T, campaign group Hands Off Our Forest and Farmland (HOOFF) says the site south of Rollestone Road in Holbury should be protected from development to preserve the character of the Forest.

Wates Developments wants to develop the land in a two-part hybrid scheme which could see up to 200 homes built, including 70 affordable properties.

HOOFF organised the recent meeting at Bethany Gospel Hall, overlooking the land known as Lynwood Farm, which was run by brothers John and George Orman before their deaths.

Also in attendance were local councillors and New Forest East MP, Sir Julian Lewis.

“We wanted people to get a real sense of what would be lost if this development is allowed to go ahead”, said Chris Hems from the group.

He added: “We agree that housing for local people is important. However, we don’t think this site should be a first choice for development when there are so many brownfield sites earmarked for housing in the New Forest District.

“These should be developed before ancient agricultural land that supports commoning and should be left as it is to protect the unique qualities of the New Forest.”

He explained many who attended the meeting said they were worried the development would lead to increased traffic, encourage people to divert across the Forest to Hilltop to reach the A326, and would create an unacceptable strain on already over stretched local services.

The hybrid application consists of an outline application for the demolition of two bungalows and farm buildings, the construction of up to 200 homes 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.

The application has drawn 154 letters of objection and seven in support. The public consultation closed on Friday, but NFDC has not yet indicated when a decision will be made.