“DON’T turn our village in to a town.”

That is the plea from opponents of controversial plans to build 330 homes next to ancient woodland in a Hampshire community.

Developers want to concrete over fields to the north-west of Fair Oak, off Winchester Road, and build a mixture of flats and houses on the land.

But the idea has met with opposition from many residents who fear 17 hectares of green open space will vanish.

There are some who believe giving the scheme the go-ahead will essentially see a village become a town.

Bloor Homes wants to construct a community building along with play areas and a wildflower meadow as part of its plan for a “garden neighbourhood” dubbed Crowdhill Green.

Bordering Stoke Park Wood, it would consist of 35 per cent affordable housing and include a new access on to Winchester Road.

Planning experts have already recommended that the scheme should be approved.

But more than 30 letters have been sent to Eastleigh Borough Council, with dozens of concerns ranging from traffic and environmental issues to the impact the development could have on the area’s infrastructure.

Fair Oak and Horton Heath Parish Council has objected to the scheme, fearing it would ruin the picturesque setting and could create chaos on nearby roads.

Vice-chairman Philip Spearey said he agreed with the view that the village could turn into a town if the houses were built.

He said: “We are being inundated with housing in Fair Oak. This is going to clearly make the area bigger.

“Getting to and from Fair Oak to get to work every day will become increasingly difficult because of the extra traffic.

“We already have problems getting medical appointments around here and the schools are filling up.”

Members of Eastleigh Borough Council’s Bishopstoke, Fair Oak and Horton Heath Local Area Committee are due to be told in a report that the development is “economically, socially and environmentally sustainable”.

The report says part of the proposed community building would be a health consulting room up to NHS standards.

The councillors will vote on outline permission tonight at the Leigh Road Civic Offices at 7pm.