A CONTROVERSIAL development could threaten a Hampshire nature reserve, according to critics.

Residents say the plans by Bargate Homes for 160 homes off Plymouth Drive in Hillhead could cause permanent and irreversible damage to Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve and its wildlife including marsh harriers, merlins and skylarks.

Under the plans, which currently have more than 150 objections, Bargate Homes is seeking to create a range of terraced, semi-detached and detached properties with some smaller flats and maisonettes.

Richard Taylor, who is helping to lead a residents’ fight against the plans, said: “It has been the feeding ground for more than 500 over-wintering brent and Canada geese, whose other feeding grounds elsewhere in the area, less well protected, are increasingly under pressure.

“It also lies within the “Meon strategic gap”, an area intended to be free of development to protect this internationally important chalk river and surrounding landscape. There will be the added threat of increased human disturbance and predation by domestic animals.”

Councillor Kay Mandry, who represents Hillhead on Fareham Borough Council said: “I am hoping that the project will not go ahead.

“The proposals will put a strain on the existing doctors’ surgery which is at capacity already and the village’s primary and secondary schools.”

Stubbington councillor Carolyn Heneghan added: “We do not need any more cars on the roads and the schools are full, while getting an appointment at the doctor’s is almost impossible.”

Councillor Sean Woodward, leader of Fareham Borough Council, added: “The site is not in the existing local plan or the draft local plan.

“It is also in the strategic countryside gap.”

Bargate Homes refused to comment on the concerns.

The plans are expected to be decided on next month.