A CONTROVERSIAL plan for hundreds of new Hampshire homes which was originally thrown out could be back on the cards.

Community and council bosses are set to present their arguments about a scheme to build 230 homes in Netley Abbey at an appeal hearing.

The plan, for the land to the east of Grange Road, was put forward by applicant Sheet Anchor Properties but was rejected last September.

Planning chiefs said that the proposal would have a negative impact on the environment and traffic in the area.

Bursledon, Hamble-le-Rice and Hound Local Area Committee also ruled that there was a lack of developer contributions towards education, recreation and community facilities.

An inspector will now listen to arguments from the applicants and from representatives of the council at the hearing, being held at the Hamble Social Club on May 23.

Netley Abbey councillor Lizette Van Niekerk said: “It’s the second appeal on that piece of land. It’s extremely important that we have the local community at the hearing.

“It’s not a suitable location for a development of this size. It’s important to keep the gaps between Bursledon, Netley Abbey and Butlocks Heath and protect the countryside; it’s also important to protect the character of the individual villages.”

The Daily Echo previously reported how the developer’s original plans for 250 homes were thrown out in 2015.

At the time residents and councillors argued that building on the site could cause flooding, traffic problems, overwhelm infrastructure and have a negative effect on the character of the village.

An Eastleigh Borough Council spokesperson said: “As we did in 2015 – when a previous application was dismissed at appeal following a public inquiry – we will reiterate our strong opposition to this application at the next public inquiry later this month.”

When contacted by the Daily Echo, Sheet Anchor Properties declined to comment.

Members of the public are free to attend the inquiry meeting if they sign in before it starts at 10am.