THESE homes are not wanted.

That’s the defiant message from an action group fighting plans to build 32 homes at Broughton, near Stockbridge.

Stop Overdevelopment in Broughton says that Linden Homes scheme off School Lane is “a contentious issue”, and claims it doesn’t have the support of the majority of villagers as claimed by the parish council.

Vice chairman of Stop Overdevelopment in Broughton Harry Paul said: “The selection of School Lane as the preferred site was predetermined at a meeting between Broughton parish councillors, the developers, and others, in October 2012.

“The council realised that the development would need to appear community-led in order to satisfy planning criteria.

“However, by the community’s demand, Broughton Parish Council were forced into commissioning a proper housing consultation in July 2014.

“The results were verified by Test Valley Borough Council, and no less than 82 per cent of residents wanted a smaller development than the current one proposed.

‘Is it any wonder there is anger?’ “As for the choice of the site, only 29 per cent voted for School Lane.

“Is it any wonder there is so much frustration, even anger, over the perceived arrogance of the parish council in not listening to the community and in suppressing proper public debate?”

Mr Paul, himself a former parish councillor, also claims that none of the existing members of the grassroots authority said whether they were in favour of the Hinwood Field site at May’s council elections.

“Yet they all claim to represent the community on this hugely important issue,” added an angry Mr Paul.

Linden Homes plans include building 12 homes in the affordable category to meet a shortage of low-cost housing stock in the community.

But Mr Paul disagrees and he claims 300 people have signed a petition in a bid to stop the proposals.

He concluded that Broughton GP Surgery is already full and fears it won’t be able to cope with increased demand if the 32 homes are built, while the local road network would face extra pressure.

The action group is now urging villagers who are unhappy with the proposals to submit their comments to Test Valley planners.

Broughton Parish Council chairman Ed James said that three consultation meetings about the proposed development had been held during the last 12 months.

He added that the majority of residents were supportive of the plans.