COUNCIL planners have given the green light for proposals that could see as many as 170 new homes built.

Residents had raised concerns about plans for up to 90 homes to be built in Bursledon and a further 80 homes in Netley.

These were particularly around increased traffic and a lack of services and schools to cope with the extra population.

But both applications went ahead at the Bursledon, Hamble-le-Rice and Hound Local Area Committee meeting despite their objections.

Applicant Highwood Land (Bursledon) Ltd said its plans for 90 homes on pasture and grazing land north of Bridge Road would provide 35 per cent affordable housing.

It also argued that its highway alterations, including a cycle lane and relocated bus stop, had been approved by the local authority highway experts and that more than half the site would be open space and woodland.

Developer Orchard Homes is behind plans for up to 80 homes and five commercial units at Grange Road, Netley.

It has said it would pay to upgrade the drainage system, its community contribution would cover expanding schools and it was creating a footpath over the railway and a pedestrian crossing and the land was allocated for development in Eastleigh’s Local Plan.