THREE parcels of land have been earmarked in Eastleigh's Local Plan as reserve sites for future homes.

Council chiefs say none of them may be needed as the authority's policy is to build on brownfield land rather than swallow up green fields.

The sites are:

Hardings Lane, Fair Oak;

Fair Oak Lodge/Quobleigh Pond and St Swithun Wells, Fair Oak;

West of Romill Close, West End.

The council says they could accommodate about 445 homes - 100 at Hardings Lane, 280 at Fair Oak Lodge/Quobleigh Pond/St Swithun Wells and 65 at Romill Close.

But the authority also says it will have to be satisfied that there is "robust justification" for the release of any of the sites. The Local Plan sets out a blueprint for the borough, including homes and employment, until 2011. A spokesman said the details would be available for comment until December 19.

The council would consider at the end of that period whether to make further changes.

The aim is for the new plan to be adopted and in full effect by the end of March 2006.