THE campaign against plans for a huge housing development south of Winchester is growing.

There is now a petition to halt Royaldown in its tracks, which looks to build 5,000 new homes between the city and Hursley.

Save South Winchester and Hursley Neighbourhood Plan Group are both calling on the city council to reject the scheme. So far, they have received 3,132 signatures on their petition.

On behalf of the two groups, David Killeen and Cllr Jan Warwick have given a list of reasons as to why they are objecting.

They said: "Such a development would: detract from the ancient history in Hursley Parish and border immediately onto the historic conservation area of Hursley.

"Take place in existing settlement gaps and create coalescence of distinct and separate settlements.

"Damage beautiful countryside in Compton and Oliver’s Battery and destroy the rural views south west of Winchester from these parishes.

"Damage the compact nature of the City of Winchester itself

"Exacerbate existing ground water flooding in Hursley Village."

They added: "We do not need funding from you at this stage but please share this petition widely and for more updates follow the Save South Winchester Facebook page."

Royaldown is being proposed by local farmer Nick Russell, who owns Down Farm.

As reported in the Chronicle, the scheme has been called Royaldown Garden Village and would see homes, a new access road linking to Badger Farm Road, two primary schools, a secondary school, health centre, park and ride, solar farms and land for employment.

The Chronicle still awaits an interview with the project lead, James Turner.