CONTROVERSIAL plans for hundreds of new homes in Hampshire are set to come under the microscope.

A developer wants to build 200 homes in fields off Bubb Lane, West End on what residents described as the last gap separating Hedge End from West End.

Now community and council bosses are set to present their arguments about the scheme at an appeal hearing.

The plan was put forward by applicant Gladman Developments Limited but was rejected in 2016.

Planning chiefs said the proposal represents an “inappropriate” and “unjustified” residential scheme.

The Hedge End, West End and Botley Local Area Committee also ruled that the plans would “ significantly diminish and urbanise the narrow and sensitive area of designated countryside and strategic gap between Hedge End and West End and erode the separate identities of these settlements”.

An inspector will now listen to arguments from the applicants and from representatives of the council at the hearing, being held at the Ageas Bowl tomorrow.

Borough councillor Ian Corben said: “ This is an unwelcome appeal following refusal of a development in the last green space between Hedge End and West End. A strategic gap. As well as that, EBC can demonstrate a five year housing supply plan - this development is not required.”

As reported by the Daily Echo, a Planning Inspectorate had dismissed a previous appeal by Gladman Developments against the council’s refusal of a previous planning application on the same site.That was for 328 homes and a doctors’ surgery to be built on the same area of countryside.

The Daily Echo previously reported how residents raised concerns about the impact that the development could have on traffic, road safety on Bubb Lane, air pollution, pressure on schools, wildlife and the identities of the community.

Plans were also objected by Hedge End Town Council and West End Parish Council.

When contacted by the Daily Echo, Gladman Developments Limited declined to comment.