A HAMPSHIRE council needs to find land to build an extra 3,000 homes over the next two decades and some of these may have to be built on greenfield sites, it has warned.

Fareham Borough Council have put forward draft plans that has shown that more than 3,000 additional homes will be needed across its area between now and 2036.

This figure is on top of the 6,000 new homes which will be built at the new “garden village” of Welborne in the borough

Council leaders say they would prefer to see the homes built on brownfield sites but these are running out and some greenfield locations may have to be sacrificed for housing.

Councillor Sean Woodward, the leader of the council said: “We need to ensure that development is managed properly and sustainability, and our focus on brownfield sites is essential for our use across the borough.

“We will consider carefully sites that have been put forward to us and consider in terms of acceptability which one’s are appropriate.”

“We are committed to not building on greenfield sites but not cannot rule out the possibility.”

The council is looking at key sites for development in the town centre which include former magistrate’s court, the former Wykeham House site and the police station, which is earmarked for closure.

The council has refused two applications in Warsash on greenfield sites, claiming that the schemes – Taylor Wimpey and Foreman Homes for 80 and 150 houses on land north of Brooks Lane – went against its no greenfield policy.

Councillor Keith Evans, portfolio holder for housing, said: “Both were refused by the committee for the basic reason of being outside the urban area and in designated countryside, and not required to meet housing needs in the present adopted borough plan.

“While the new plan is being developed, planners from Fareham council will continue to judge new planning applications against the existing adopted plan and its objectives/policies.”

The new plan will be discussed by the Fareham executive in detail over the spring.