HUNDREDS of homes could be built on greenbelt land, sparking up-roar amongst residents.

Taylor Wimpey is behind plans to build 300 homes between North Baddesley and Valley Park.

Test Valley has a shortage of new homes but many feel the local gap at Great Covert Copse off Castle Lane should be spared.

The developers are claiming the plans will preserve the woodland.

Councillor Alan Dowden said: “This 300-home proposal at Great Covert is designated in a local gap. This has been designated as such within the emerging Revised Local Plan.

“The developers are bringing their proposal forward like many others in different areas because Test Valley has a shortage in its five year housing land supply.

He added: “The public have shown that they strongly support that local gap policy.

“It is my view that this proposal will be strongly objected to if an application were to come forward later and the objections for further development would be made on legitimate ground.”

Under Taylor Wimpey’s proposals the homes will be built on the eastern edge of the site. The company says this is to preserve woodland to the west and safeguard the local gap.

About 40 per cent of the homes will be affordable with shared ownership and there would be rentable accommodation.

Pedestrian and cycle links to North Baddesley village centre and Valley Park would be included.

Taylor Wimpey says of the 80 hectare site that only 12 of these is earmarked for housing. Its strategic projects manager Lynn McIver said: “This scheme represents an exciting opportunity to enhance the ancient woodland within the site, making it more accessible so people have the chance to benefit from this fantastic natural asset right on their doorstep.”

Nearly 2,000 newsletters have been sent to households in North Baddesley and Valley Park alerting residents to a public exhibition at North Baddesley Sports Pavilion on Wednesday, June 18 between 3pm and 8pm.