LOCAL resident groups across Fareham have joined forces to fight against residential development that is set to impact protected sites in the borough.

The draft local plan for Fareham is due to come out in September and Councillor Sean Woodward, leader of the Council, is said to be considering allowing building houses on the countryside between Stubbington and Fareham, Fareham and Gosport and on Rookery Farm, rather than on brownfield sites, industrial areas or near transport hubs.

However, local facebook group, Save our Strategic Gaps (SOSG) has now begun working alongside the Green Party, countryside charity CPRE Hampshire, and other local groups including Save Warsash and the Western Wards (SWWW) and Conserving Habitats in Portchester (CHIP), to oppose the potential plans.

Now two petitions, with more than 3,000 signatures have been handed to the Fareham Borough Council, while an online petition run by CPRE Hampshire has already amassed more than 14,000 signatures.

A website has also been launched at www.pfsh.org.uk, where residents are encouraged to donate money to help with the fight against the building on he borough's green areas.

A spokesperson for SOSG said: "We all know that we need housing in the Fareham Borough, but it is the way that the local council are going about it that is concerning us. Let's make sure the green fields of Fareham Borough and Gosport Borough and our EU protected areas remain for our children and their children to enjoy along with clean air and clean coastal waters.

"We are in a position where funding is critical to this fight. Please any small donations will be greatly appreciated and will help towards this important fight ahead."