RESIDENTS have blasted plans for almost 100 new homes to be built on an “overdeveloped” area of Hampshire green space.

Along with local groups, calls have been made to Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) to reject the proposals for a site on Cupernham Lane, Romsey, as the area is already densely populated with housing – including the Abbotswood estate and the soon-to-be completed Oxlease Meadows.

But, applicant WYG – on behalf of Stratland Estates – stands by its decision to submit the proposals, stating the recently completed and approved housing applications in the area have changed its character.

These plans include 94 homes from five-bed houses to two-bed flats to be built on land designated as countryside. Also included are 38 (40 per cent) affordable homes.

Currently, the applicant is seeking outline planning permission from TVBC before a full, more detailed, planning application is submitted at a later date.

However, citing damage to the character of the area and an overdevelopment of the land, Romsey Ramblers countryside group has raised objection to the plans.

The group’s objection read: “Romsey Ramblers strongly object to this application which joins together existing developments thus reducing still further the Green Lung of Romsey.

“You only have to look at the aerial views in the documents list to see the density of the housing in the area.

“We shudder to think of the high traffic density both ways along Cupernham Lane already, and worsened if these 94 dwellings are built.”

Other locals cited overlooking, design, traffic, and road safety as further points for objection.

Nevertheless, the applicant has said the plans look to keep the current feel of the land, including the retention of the central tree belt.

Within the Design and Access Statement, the applicant added: “Whilst only illustrative at this stage, the site layout has been prepared with a sufficient level of detail to demonstrate that the quantum of development proposed can be reasonably accommodated on the site having regard to site constraints.”

Access to the site is proposed to be from two junctions off Cupernham Lane.

The applicant added: “This proposal represents a natural and sustainable extension to Romsey on land where the principle of development has already been established and in an area where recent developments, consented and under construction, have materially changed the character of the area.

“On this basis, the proposed development of this land for housing would represent a valuable and measurable contribution towards the existing and future housing requirement for this area.”