GREENFIELD sites in New Forest towns and villages are under threat from proposals to build 10,000 new homes over the next 20 years.

Farmland on the edge of existing estates could disappear beneath bricks and mortar following a controversial new blueprint drawn up by planning chiefs.

The far-reaching proposals are set to face strong objections from countryside campaigners determined to save vital green lungs separating built-up areas.

But town hall bosses claim the scheme is the best way to manage the "inevitable" tide of housebuilding that will take place over the next two decades.

Scroll down to see where the homes could be built

Last night councillors warned that the only alternative to an official land management plan was a "development free-for-all".

Government ministers are calling on all parts of the UK to help the nation meet its target of providing 250,000 new homes each year.

The population of the New Forest is set to grow by 22,000 between 2016 and 2036, which means hundreds of new flats and houses will be needed in the district per annum.

Now 20 sites surrounding the New Forest National Park have been earmarked for residential development by the district council.

The Local Plan Review 2016-2036 includes proposals to build almost 1,000 new homes north of Totton and a similar number in nearby Marchwood.

Cllr Arthur Davis, chairman of Totton and Eling Town Council, forecast "massive opposition" to prospect of 990 flats and houses springing up between Loperwood Lane and land west of Hillstreet.

"My initial reaction to the proposal is one of horror," he said.

"We do need more housing but Totton has seen a massive amount of development in recent years. I think we're already at saturation point.

"However, I must examine the plans further before I can reach a final conclusion."

Green Belt sites in Lymington, New Milton and Hordle are also under threat.

New Milton Residents' Association is meeting on July 12 to debate the issue, including the potential impact on roads, schools and doctors' surgeries.

Chairman Alan Watson said: "The prospect of 10,000 new homes in the New Forest horrifies me.

"It doesn't look as if we're going to be too badly hit in New Milton but even the thought of 1,000 extra homes concerns me. We're already very tight on school places and medical facilities."

At least 20-per-cent of all the properties will be starter homes for first-time buyers under the age of 40.

Council bosses admit that the loss of greenfield sites is set to prove controversial but say the proposals are likely to please locals who want their children and grandchildren to be able to live in the Forest.

The document will be debated by the council's ruling Cabinet next Wednesday, although no decisions will be taken until after a public inquiry in 2018.

Cllr Edward Heron, deputy leader of the council, said: “We are aiming to balance the pressing need for homes in the area with the desire to protect the environment.

“By taking a positive approach to meeting the government’s target, we can ensure that new developments contribute to the vitality of our communities."

Cllr David Harrison, leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition group, added: "The Conservative government are forcing local authorities to allocate sufficient land to meet government targets.

"Locally it will mean the loss of most of our green fields that provide buffers or strategic gaps between existing urban areas.

"Most people want local housing needs met. In this sense what's being proposed is not a threat but it will require intelligent planning to preserve some green and wild space for nature."

The New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) is vowing to keep a close eye on developments.

NPA chairman Oliver Crosthwaite-Eyre said: "Our concern is to ensure that any housing developments do not impact negatively on the special qualities of the National Park."

Where the new homes could be built:

  • Bransgore: Land opposite the former RAF Sopley (120 homes)
  • Everton: Land north and west of Kingfisher Caravan Park (120 homes)
  • Fordingbridge: Land east and west of Whitsbury Road (380 homes)
  • Fordingbridge: Land between Station Road and Falcon Wood (100 homes)
  • Hordle: Land between Woodland Caravan Park and Vicarage Lane (180 homes)
  • Hordle: Land east of Everton Road (200 homes)
  • Hordle: Land west of Woodcock Lane (150 homes)
  • Lymington: Land between Buckland and Ramley Road (870 homes)
  • Marchwood: Land bordered by Bury Road, Pooksgreen and Tavells Lane (880 homes)
  • Marchwood: Land between the recycling centre and Quayside Walk (180 homes)
  • Milford on Sea: Land between Blackbush Road and the village primary school (270 homes)
  • New Milton: Land west of Stem Lane (300 homes)
  • New Milton: Land between Brockishill Lane and Stanley's Copse (130 homes)
  • New Milton: Land between Milford Road and Ashley Manor Farm (200 homes)
  • New Milton: Land west of the Chewton Glen Hotel (300 homes)
  • Pennington: Land north and south of Milford Road (240 homes)
  • Ringwood: Land north and south of Moortown Lane (750 homes)
  • Ringwood: Land between Eastfield Lane and Lynes Farm (400 homes)
  • Ringwood: Land east of Woolmer Farm (130 homes)
  • Totton: Land between Loperwood Lane and Hillstreet (900 homes)