ART is the latest weapon to be fired in a bitter war over a 7,000 home development in the heart of the Hampshire countryside.

More than 80 people have sent in photographs, images and artwork to show the beauty and character of Knowle Village, near Fareham, for an exhibition.

The best of these were put up on display and will form the basis of a photobook.

Protester Mandy Wrenn said: “In our fight to stop this project we have decided to try something new.

“Of course petitions and discussions on planning policy are important and we are right to challenge the council in this way but there is also a landscape angle, a human angle.

“We are hoping this exhibition will highlight the fight and really get people to think about what we could be losing if this massive development goes ahead.”

The pieces were up in Knowle Village Community Centre.

The controversial proposal was part of a core strategy approved by the council in November last year.

The authority says more homes are needed – in particular affordable homes – other options are unsustainable and no work will start until the infrastructure is in place.

The groups have concerns about traffic, loss of countryside and infrastructure shortfalls.

A war of words broke out with Fareham Borough Council leader Sean Woodward accusing protesters of “hijacking” a public consultation about the authority’s corporate vision and objectives.

Six community associations hit out at the council bosses accusing them of ignoring public opinion and levelled a vote of no confidence in them.

Councillor Woodward said: “I do not accept the view that this development will destroy beauty spots in Knowle, in fact it will open up green areas which are completely inaccessible to the public at present.

“The development will bring 7,000 new jobs and up to 7,000 homes, enough housing for a generation.

“If this project is defeated at public inquiry we will need to find other ways to solve the housing problem and it could mean the end for every piece of countryside in the borough of Fareham.”

The public inquiry will take place next month.