MORE than 1,000 people have had their say over plans to build nearly 10,000 homes in and around a Hampshire town.

Eastleigh Borough Council has been bombarded with comments in the three weeks since consultation began on the proposals.

The authority says up to 9,400 homes may need to be built in the area it controls over the next 18 years.

About 4,700 would be on greenfield land, meaning the borough may effectively have a new town by 2029.

So far, nearly 1,100 people have had their say on the possible level and location of housing developments.

All consultation forms need to be completed and submitted by September 9.

The plans have already come in for criticism from the newly formed Eastleigh branch of the English Democrats, who say a local referendum should be held.

Branch chairman John Edwards said: “The announcement by the council on the future of housing needs and the selected sites to take the proposed housing allocations are ill-conceived proposals and not in the interests of the local environment, existing infrastructures and local residents.

“Clearly this council which boasts about its green credentials is putting aside such claims to the consternation of local residents who will be directly affected.

“We have the potential spectre to remove forever green areas of the borough that should be maintained for the benefit of today’s and future generations of Eastleigh residents.”

The proposals also include a choice for the public over where to put 1,400 of those homes.

The first site is off Allington Lane, between West End and Fair Oak, an area considered for development in the 1990s.

Because of the need to develop infrastructure, this could lead to a further 3,600 homes by 2040 to fund it.

The second is Boorley Green, northeast of Hedge End, a site where under the now-scrapped South East Plan, 6,000 homes would have gone.

Under the proposals another 1,300 homes could be built in Eastleigh south of Chestnut Avenue, 1,000 on land in Hedge End west of Woodhouse Lane and another 1,000 on small and medium-sized sites around towns and villages.

Council Leader Keith House said: “Like all councils we have to plan ahead for the future and look at our housing needs.

“We have to ensure that we provide homes for people of all ages so they can remain close to family, friends, schools, jobs and local facilities.

“The views of local people are really important to us and we are keen to give our residents a choice and provide the opportunity for them to have their say on two specific sites.

“I would encourage everyone to let us know their views before the September 9 closing date.”