PLANS for 64 homes in Romsey have come under fire from residents who fear it will increase traffic congestion.

The plans, submitted by Alfred Homes and VIVID Homes, aim to create a mix of two, three and four bedroom homes in Braishfield Road.

If approved by Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC), the application would boast a number of flats and 167 car parking spaces.

Now critics of the controversial application claim the plans will increase pressure on GP surgeries that are "nearing capacity".

Others believe the planning application will destroy wildlife living in the area if the homes are given the green light.

Richard Baker, who lives in Doris Bunting Road in Ampfield, said: "I have spent the last 14 months living on a building site, the application will have an unbelievable impact on my property and life.

"The road infrastructure is a nightmare. Romsey is gridlocked permanently and the pollution levels are going through the roof.

"Romsey is just one mass building site with more than six or seven major building sites already in development and there is no need for housing when there is no increase in large businesses needing employment that has entered the area in the last five years."

He added: "There is not enough dental practices or GP surgeries - I have to go to Winchester for my NHS dentist.

"The area has deer, fox, owls and bats, along with butterflies and insects all living there and you will be destroying and killing the animals."

Sally Yalden, who lives in Farley Lane, Braishfield, said: "Traffic and speeding continue to be causes of great concern in this area since the ongoing infill and development of houses in this part of Romsey.

"The network of roads in and around Romsey are increasingly becoming congested and an increase in traffic goes hand in hand with an increase in pollution.

"There is no new doctor's surgery which was supposed to be built as part of the Abbotswood development.

"With an ageing population in this area, the existing surgeries in Romsey must be nearing capacity. As a patient, over the past few years I have found it difficult to get an appointment to see a doctor."

Richard Thomas, who lives in Withers Road, Romsey, said: "This road is dangerous enough at present without having yet another housing development.

"The proposal to alter the existing roundabout will cause extensive traffic problems to an already over congested area."

Mr Thomas stressed the "lack of medical provision", which he believes is "overstretched in Romsey", will suffer by this housing development.

He added: "There is a large habitat where wildlife has found a refuge following the already extensive development in the area. What will happen to woodland and animal species?"

Planning director for Alfred Homes, Chris Rees, said: “We have noted the public comments that have been made to date and will be discussing these with the local authority at the appropriate time."

Director of development at VIVID, Mike Shepherd, said: "This development is important as it will help provide much needed affordable homes for the area.

"We’ll review all feedback from the local community thoroughly and will work with Alfred Homes and the local authority to try and address the concerns raised.”

TVBC will decide on the application on Friday, June 5.