The Welborne Plan to build thousands of homes, four schools and shops near Fareham is set to be rubber stamped

The Welborne plan would see thousands of homes, as well as four new schools and 100,000 square metres of shops, constructed on land north of Fareham.

A Government-appointed inspector carried out a public inquiry into Fareham Borough Council's plans last year and after recommending modifications declared the project "sound" last month.

Fareham Council will tonight decide whether to formally adopt the scheme, along with its development sites and policies plan.

The project has faced fierce opposition and anti-Welborne campaigner Shaun Cunningham said: "I feel a sense of injustice that the planning system is not about communities having a real genuine say in their neighbourhoods but allows the architects of major change here in Fareham to have it all their own way.

"This decision communicates a message to residents that the planning system is entirely removed from local communities.

"Understandably it would be very easy to walk away now, however if we did I honestly believe we would be doing the residents of this town a disservice because I know many residents of this town even today do not support Welborne and will be horrified with the decision to declare the plan sound.

"Our job now is not just to pack our bags and quietly walk off the stage but to regroup and plan for the future battles which lay ahead."

An artist's impression of the new development

Opponents of the plan argue it will increase the risk of flooding, reduce the quality of life in the area, and cause more noise and light pollution.

But those behind the development say it provides much-needed housing, will deliver sustainable infrastructure, and will cut down on greenhouse gas emissions from road vehicles.

Fareham Councillor Keith Evans, executive member of planning and development, denied suggestions that the community had not been adequately consulted.

He said: “The independent government inspector decided that the Welborne Plan, with the modifications proposed, was ‘sound’ and the Council’s consultation with residents, local communities, representative groups and pressure groups over several years as part of the formulation of the plan was part of that process.

“The inspector said that, after taking into account the characteristics of the location, the constraints to development, the requirement for a high standard of sustainable design and layout, and the Council’s objective of creating ‘a new garden community’, he was satisfied that the figure of 6,000 dwellings was justified and in all other respects sound.

"He also said that after examining the processes and procedures followed by the Council in its community engagement for the Welborne scheme, he was satisfied that that had been appropriate."

The meeting will be held at Fareham Civic Offices at 6pm today.