NEARLY 2000 fewer homes will be built in Fareham over the next 20 years due to new legislation being drafted by the Government.

It would mean that the borough council still need to find space for 403 houses a year until 2037 - down from 520.

The lower number could mean the council can scrap plans to build on land south of Fareham or west of Downend Road.

Other proposed housing sites previously earmarked as part of its draft local plan have also been cut, including: Rookery Farm, Swanwick; Newgate Lane South, Peel Common; Romsey Avenu Portchester; Pinks Hill, Wallington; Military Road, Wallington and North Wallington and Standard Way, Wallington.

Fareham Borough Council leader Sean Woodward, said: "I am delighted that the intense lobbying that I undertook on behalf of the Borough with both ministers and civil servants has borne fruit in the Government's latest proposed method for calculating the requirement for new homes resulting in a very significant reduction in Fareham's requirements.

"Preserving our Strategic Gaps has always been a very high priority for me and for the Council and the proposed new Local Plan does just that. I hope it will be supported by our residents, many of whom are just as passionate about these issues."

However, the council noted that new plans being looked at by the Government have not yet been finalised.

Cllr Woodward added: " The Council is aware that the formula might be subject to revision however the difference for Fareham is so significant that it would seem irresponsible to ignore the changes being proposed. We do not plan to submit the Local Plan for consideration until after the results of the Government’s consultation are both known and enacted."

The draft plans will be considered by councillors on October 1, before a public consultation is launched.