HUNDREDS of people are expected to protest against plans for thousands of homes near ancient woodland in Hampshire  as an independent inspector is set to examine the proposals.

More than 500 campaigners, including members of the action group Action against Destructive Development Eastleigh (ADD) are expected to flock to the Botleigh Grange Hotel and Spa in Hedge End on Friday (Nov 22) to voice their concerns over plans for 5,200 new homes, shops, schools, open spaces and a new access road on land between Bishopstoke and Fair Oak. 

As previously reported, the proposals are part of Eastleigh Borough Council’s Local Plan and have sparked a heated debate among residents and campaigners over the past years.

An independent planning inspector is now going to look into the proposals before deciding whether the proposed Local Plan is sound or not.

Council leader Keith House has defended the plan for a new community between Bishopstoke and Fair Oak saying it is the “only viable way” to deliver much-needed homes and infrastructure.

But ADD members, who have campaigned against it for years, will voice their concerns once again on Friday.

John Lauwyers, chairman of ADD, said: “There are a lot of people that are very angry about Eastleigh Local Plan and about the fact that the council has consistently refused to listen to what local people think. The plan is very environmentally dangerous, it will pose a threat to ancient woodland, to the Itchen which is one of the last chalk stream in the country.”

Mr Lauwyers  said the new development would generate more car journeys and would clash with the climate emergency recently declared by the borough council.

Planning experts and a barrister will also represent ADD members at the public hearing with the planning inspector on Friday morning.

But Mr Lauwyers stressed that the protest, which will be held at 8.30am before the start of the  hearing, will be peaceful.

“This is simply a presence. It’s about gathering together and showing how strong the community feels about it. It’s symbolic of people’s anger and opposition to a very bad plan,” he added.

Cllr House hit back saying: “The reality is that wherever councils suggest for new homes, existing residents voice objections.  At least with the council’s proposals we can, uniquely, improve the quality of life for existing residents as well as those that move into new homes. Young people today have an impossible task getting onto the housing ladder. Through our Local Plan we will also provide quality homes to rent for all with the option to buy later.”

Residents who want to join the demonstration are encouraged to car share and look at the ADD website as more transport arrangements  are set to be made.