HUNDREDS of campaigners are set to protest against plans to build 5,200 homes near ancient woodland in Hampshire.

More than 500 campaigners from action group, Action Against Destructive Development (ADD) are set to storm the Botleigh Grange Hotel and Spa in Hedge End on Friday November 22 in a last bid effort to voice their concerns over plans to build 5,200 new homes, shops, schools, open spaces and a new access road on land between Bishopstoke and Fair Oak.

The proposals, as part of Eastleigh Borough Council's local plan, have sparked massive debate amongst residents and campaigners.

Now an independent planning inspector will examine the proposals as part of a six week examination period, before deciding their viability.

Council leader Keith House has defended the plan for a new community between Bishopstoke and Fair Oak saying it is the “only viable way” to deliver much-needed homes and infrastructure.

But ADD members, who have campaigned against it for years, will voice their concerns once again on Friday.

Kate Beal Blyth, representative for ADD said: "The plan is environmentally disastrous and it is so unsustainable. If it goes ahead, it will be built in the best country side in the entire Eastleigh borough, very close to River Itchen and right up to the South Downs National Park boundary."

She added: "These options propose that 5200 homes should be built where there is no public transport links, meaning the only way to and from will be by car which is very bad for congestion and would clash with the climate emergency recently declared by the borough council. We at ADD understand and believe that we need more housing in the borough, but we need it in the right place!"

John Lauwyers, chairman of ADD, said a lot of people are "very angry" about the local plan and claim the council has "consistently refused to listen to what local people think", but he stresses the protest held at 8.30am before the start of the hearing, will be peaceful.

He said: "This is simply a presence. It’s about gathering together and showing how strong the community feels about it. It’s symbolic of people’s anger and opposition to a very bad plan."

Cllr House hit back saying: "The reality is that wherever councils suggest for new homes, existing residents voice objections. At least with the council’s proposals we can, uniquely, improve the quality of life for existing residents as well as those that move into new homes. Young people today have an impossible task getting onto the housing ladder. Through our Local Plan we will also provide quality homes to rent for all with the option to buy later."