A DATE has been set for a public inquiry that will decide the fate of a greenfield site in a Hampshire town.

The inquiry is due to take place next month and will examine proposals to build up to 80 homes on farmland next to the New Forest National Park.

The scheme has sparked more than 100 objections from people living near the site at Loperwood Lane in Totton.

As reported in the Daily Echo, New Forest District Council rejected the application last year but the applicants, Howard Sharp and Partners, lodged an appeal.

Earlier this year civic chiefs a dropped a bombshell by abandoning their attempt to block the scheme.

The council has decided to offer no evidence at the inquiry following warnings it was likely to lose the appeal, potentially costing taxpayers about £50,000.

Town hall bosses backed down after receiving new legal advice issued in the wake of the government’s pledge to tackle the nation’s housing shortage.

Campaigners say they fear the council’s refusal to defend its own decision could result in the proposed development being given the go-ahead.

The scheme was rejected by the authority’s planning and development control committee last August.

Objectors said the new homes would generate too much traffic as well as adding to flooding problems by covering the “Calmore sponge” with concrete.

Kerie Wallace, of Calmore Cottage, told the committee: “Plonking 80 houses on a field would be an environmental disaster.

“Local services are already overstretched and there are no school places available for the children of families who will live there.

“In no way can this be allowed to proceed.”

But representatives from Howard Sharp and Partners rejected claims made by the objectors.

Planning agent Dr Robert Wickham described the proposal as “technically sound” and said it would provide Totton with “quality homes”.

Earlier this year ward councillor Neville Penman voiced his disappointment at the council’s subsequent decision to offer no evidence at the inquiry.

But he said he saw no benefit in the authority maintaining its objection to the proposed development - and running the risk of incurring huge costs - if it stood little chance of winning the appeal.

Fellow Totton councillor David Harrison said the legal advice received by the council had “changed markedly” since August.

“Central government have stacked things in favour of all housing development, regardless of concerns,” said Cllr Harrison.

The inquiry will be held at Lymington Town Hall in Avenue Road, Lymington,on September 26.