HAMPSHIRE countryside campaigners are warning that suggested changes to the county structure plan could herald urban sprawl across green fields around Winchester.

Proposed modifications to the plan call for a reduction in the number of strategic gaps which protect rural communities from being swallowed up by bigger towns.

Among the protected areas are three gaps around Winchester: between the city and Compton, Kings Worthy and Littleton.

Environmental activists are worried that Winchester's setting is jeopardised by proposed developments at Barton Farm, Bushfield Camp and Morn Hill.

The Council for the Protection of Rural England is worried by any weakening of the planning controls.

Martin Larkin, spokesman for the Hampshire branch of the CPRE, said: "When you start removing the layers of protection they all become more vulnerable."

The gaps in Hampshire include the Meon Valley, around Southampton and the Blackwater gap near Aldershot.

Ted Grant, county CPRE director, said: "Gaps between developments help to retain identity and mark the urban boundaries. They restrict the spread of band urban sprawl.

Steve Opacic, a senior planner at Winchester City Council, said the new structure plan proposed ending the three gaps but beefing up the protection of the city's setting.

"The plan recognises the special character of Winchester and its setting. That could be a stronger protection. Barton Farm, for example, was not in the strategic gap between Winchester and Kings Worthy," he said.

The CPRE wants more urban regeneration to ease the pressure for developing on countryside.

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