VILLAGERS are fuming after plans were revealed for almost 200 homes on the outskirts of their community.

Foreman Homes have put in plans for 180 houses on a five hectare site in Titchfield which also includes a community space, off-site parking and some accessible, natural green space.

At a recent consultation event, residents said the scheme would create more traffic and noise pollution and have a negative effect on the village’s status as a conservation area.

Ann Wheal, the chair of the Titchfield Neighbourhood Forum, described the development as ‘unnecessary’ and claimed it could turn the village into an urban sprawl.

Mrs Wheal said: “The Posbrook Lane plans would completely change the nature of Titchfield environmentally and historically which is want we want to avoid.

“The lane is an important link to the nearby beaches on the coast with many cars and cyclists using the road already, more houses would cause constant blockages not just on the lane but across the whole village.

“The scheme isn’t appropriate will go against the Borough Councils own ‘Development Sites and Policies Plan’ and our own Neighbourhood Plan as it’s a greenfield site.”

A statement from Foreman Homes said: “Depending on the results of this consultation exercise our initial intention would be to make an application for outline planning permission with all matters, except access, reserved.

“We are fully committed to realising our vision of an outstanding, sustainable development which will both complement and enhance the community of Titchfield.”

It has also been revealed that developers Milford have submitted plans on land for a new 39-acre country park in the heart of Titchfield, which would be managed by Fareham Borough Council and would be the size of 20 football pitches.

Councillor Sean Woodward, the leader of Fareham Borough Council, said: “The country park will give something back to the community and will allow anybody to come and explore the Meon Valley.

“Work is ready to go ahead on the site which will feature a car park, visitor centre and a number of trials and paths.”

But Foreman claim that the development proposals will take into account the form, scale and design of local housing and will consider the existing character of Titchfield.

An application is expected to be submitted to Fareham Borough Council in the next few weeks.