CONTROVERSIAL plans to build hundreds of homes in a Hampshire village have been given the go-ahead.

Planning chiefs at Fareham Borough Council have decided the first three applications for plans for more than 800 homes in Warsash.

The plans, which form part of the councils local plan for housing have been the subject of severe resistance from residents who expressed their anger at a meeting yesterday.

Under the plans, Foreman Homes have put in plans to build an 180-home estate on land off Brook Lane and Lockswood Road in Warsash.

Taylor Wimpey is also looking to build 85 homes on land just north of the Foreman development, also off Brook Lane.

Bargate Homes have revealed new proposals for 140 homes off Greenaway Lane – south of the Foreman site.

Richard Thomas, from the Save Warsash and the Western Wards Campaign, said: “We recognise that there is a need for more development, we have had a lot already.

“But what hasn’t happened is the infrastructure keeping pace with the development.

“An additional 1,200 homes on greenfield including 800 in Warsash is inappropriate and the design of the sites do not cater to the actual needs of the area.

“We will continue to fight the developments despite the plans being approved.”

He added that the group will now see to get the best economic development benefits from the plans.

A protest was also held on Sunday, December 3 last month which drew more than 450 objectors out onto the streets of Warsash to make their feelings clear.

As previously reported, Fareham Borough Council approved plans their draft local plan in October which saw more than 450 people attend the a four hour long council meeting.

Rob Megginson from the Warsash Residents Association, said: “The Western Wards is being unfairly targeted for development.

“Of the total number of new houses built in the last five years, 62 per cent them have been built here.

“It’s too late for Warsash.”

Councillor Shaun Cunningham, who represents Portchester on the council said the borough was in development chaos with local communities being forced to pick up the mess left by the council leader.

He added: “Why are these plans are being approved despite the draft local plan still not being finished.”

Councillor Trevor Cartwright , who represents Warsash on the council, said: “We have to take our fair share of homes but 800 is too much.”

The next of set of applications which include another 185 homes are expected to be determined later this year.