PLANS for almost 200 new homes in Totton have sparked divided opinions in the community.

Proposals have been submitted to New Forest District Council to build 196 new homes on land north of Cooks Lane in Calmore.

The designs state that the development, if approved, would be "firmly landscape led" and built around the nature on site.

They say it will provide a new market and affordable housing, and will feature new walkways and cycle paths.

The application has been submitted by Merlion Capital Corporation. But the plans have divided the community.

While some welcome the plans, others have expressed concern about the pressure that could be put on local schools and doctors' surgeries.

Carolyn Payne said: "As a parent I can't agree on the schools having enough space, our children have had to cope with the disruption to their education over Covid, a much higher percentage have got special needs and a lot are not coping in a class of 30."

She added: "It's becoming claustrophobic with so much building going on at once and unmanageable."

Lisa Remnant Donovan said: "It’s all very well building houses and Totton is in need of them but we need more doctors and schools.

"Classrooms are overcrowded and this in the long run will affect how the children learn."

Others were left unsure.

Shan Rigby said: "We need the homes to help new families and the homeless.

"Not to mention the younger population who now have it hardest as the housing market is so expensive just to get on the ladder.

"On the other hand, to build so many houses into a rural area is detrimental to our environment and the wildlife that is in it."

However, some residents rallied in support of new homes in the area.

Lisa Portsmouth said: "I support the plans and my son and [his] girlfriend, in their 20s, are on the housing list.

"They want to start their future together, they both work full-time but cannot afford to rent privately and there is literally nothing coming up to bid on."

Susan Compton, a local school governor, added: "I support more houses being built because our young people need their own homes.

"There are enough primary school places, and we are actually short of children.

"I bought my first house when I was 22 so should not stop other young people buying theirs. We have plenty of jobs to fill with an ageing population of which I am one at 61 years."