A HAMPSHIRE council leader says that he hopes a devolution of powers to Hampshire could provide more protection for communities potentially affected by hundreds of new homes.

Fareham Borough Council chief Sean Woodward described the bid for powers for a “southern powerhouse” could be a “pivotal moment” for Hampshire.

As reported, a formal bid for powers will be handed in to the government this week after several letters from the county’s leaders were sent to Greg Clark, secretary of state for communities and local government.

The powers that could devolve to local control could see decisions on areas such as transport, health and skills made at local level rather than in Whitehall.

And Cllr Woodward said: “One particular goal of mine in the deal is to bring us the ability to designate greenbelt to offer statutory protection to our local communities who are being asked to cater for a huge need for new, particularly affordable, housing.

“If we are to take this housing it is right that we should also be able to offer statutory protection to our strategic gaps.

"In Fareham that would be the gap between South Fareham and Stubbington and the Meon gap between Fareham and Titchfield.”