RESIDENTS have spoken out against plans to build 14 new homes on the site of a former saw mill in the New Forest.

The proposals for land off Bashley Common Road have been submitted to New Forest National Park Authority (NFNPA) by developers Hildon (SW) Ltd.

The outline application for the area, which was previously Bashley Saw Mills, sets out plans for 14 dwellings in the form of four affordable homes, three starter homes and the remaining seven to be listed on the open market.

The houses are a variety of two, three and four bedroom properties, however specifics on the design of the homes is not included in the application.

The initial plot designs submitted alongside the plans show a mixture of detached, semi-detached and terraced dwellings.

As an outline plan to be considered by NFNPA, all matters have been reserved for future applications other than the subject of access.

New Milton Town Council has given its view on the proposals, objecting on grounds the scheme is over-intensive for the area and the loss of Oak trees at the point of access.

Eighteen separate objections have been submitted by residents, with common issues focusing on the increased traffic in the area as a result of the development and the danger of having more vehicles using the access road off Bashley Common Road.

ADVERTISING inRead invented by Teads One couple say they are "horrified to learn that speculators from outside the New Forest want to destroy our village's character", while another resident says they are fearful "a coach and horses" will be driven through everything National Park status is supposed to protect if consent is given.

Just one response has been submitted to NFNPA in support of the scheme.

New Forest district and New Milton town member for the Bashley ward, Cllr Neil Tungate, said: "I think it is a dangerous access point.

"Although there is a need for affordable housing, I think people would probably be more supportive of a smaller scheme.

"There is a shortage of housing and I would support something for young people."

Comments on the plans can be made through NFNPA's website and are open until October 24.