COUNTRYSIDE campaigners have hit out at plans to build 325 homes on former farmland on the edge of the New Forest.

Stanborough Developments has submitted two planning applications to develop large areas of land near the Safeway superstore in Michigan Way, Totton.

The sites under threat are both at Hanger Farm - a green oasis between existing estates and the Totton western bypass.

Stanborough is seeking consent for 286 homes and an access road on land known as Area 23.

The company is also planning to build 39 bungalows on a site described as Area 5, which is close to homes in Crabbs Way.

Thousands of new houses have already sprung up at West Totton, and campaigners are furious at the potential loss of further greenfield sites.

They also fear that traffic generated by another 325 homes will place extra pressure on local roads.

Protesters include district councillor Di Brooks, a leading light in the campaign to stop homes being built at Testwood House Farm, Totton.

She said: "When I came to Totton 35 years ago the town stopped at Calmore Road. There was nothing but open countryside all the way to Netley Marsh, but now there's hardly a field left."

The Stanborough applications are due to be discussed at today's meeting of Totton Town Council's planning and transport advisory committee.

Committee chairman George Dart said: "My first impression is that the proposed density is unacceptable and inappropriate for such an attractive rural area.

"Clearly the extra traffic likely to be generated by such a large scheme is also a major concern."

The applications will be determined by New Forest District Council.

Planning officer Steve Avery said: "The land has been allocated for residential development for some time."