PLANS for a new housing development in a Hampshire village have been unveiled.

Developers made a bid to build 99 new homes on land north of Broad Oak in Botley.

The planning application has been put forward by Persimmon Homes.

If the plans are approved, car parking and public spaces could also be built in the area as part of the development.

A spokesperson for Persimmon Homes South Coast said: “The company has held initial discussions with Eastleigh Borough Council through their pre-application process, and a public exhibition was held in February.

“The proposals will help meet the considerable need for new housing in the local areas as well as providing new jobs in the local construction industry.”

Cllr Keith House, pictured below, leader of Eastleigh Borough Council, said: “The council has not allocated this site for building in what is one of the last greenfield sites between Botley and Hedge End. Persimmon were told this before they applied. I imagine this will get a short-shrift when it comes to the council for a decision”.

Local residents raised concerns about the impact that the development could have on the green spaces, traffic and pollution.

Graham Hunter, vice chairman of Botley Parish Council, said: “The parish council will be objecting to this application as it will join the communities of Hedge End and Botley.

“The gap is left to separate the villages and keep their identities – the development would remove that gap.

“It would generate more pollution and traffic. Also the site is adjacent to a safeguarded site which is used to recycle liquids. If houses are built there, the residents could have unpleasant odours.”

Borough councillor Jerry Hall said: “ The gaps between our villages are very important to preserve and we have to do everything we possibly can to preserve them. I’ll be speaking with borough and parish councillors and local residents before making a decision.”

Plans are set to be discussed in September.