ROMSEY must not lose its rural identity.

That was the message opponents of plans to build 1,300 new homes at Whitenap sent to a Government-appointed inspector holding a public hearing into the borough council’s revised planning blueprint for the next 15 years.

On Wednesday, planning inspector Phillip Ware heard the views of residents on the proposed new neighbourhood at Whitenap, which includes the new homes on farmland owned by the Ashfield Estate.

Among those airing his views was Romsey county councillor Mark Cooper, who told the inspector at the Crosfield Hall hearing that it was important to preserve the landscape setting of the town.

He said: “Romsey is a great rectangle of open land and the Broadlands estate is crucial in keeping the town separate from what is now urban south Hampshire.”