Residents of Medstead covered four tables with sticky notes feedback on proposals for 850 homes on 106 acres at Lymington Bottom.

They were attending Bewley and CALA Homes’ public consultation at Medstead Village Hall on January 14, following one at Four Marks Village Hall the previous day.

One resident wrote: “Utter madness. This means 2,000 cars all trying to get out on to Lymington Bottom Road and the A31.” Another said: “Leave the current open space alone. Your houses are not wanted.”

Reform UK East Hants chairman Matthew Kellermann, who went to Medstead, said: “What was presented did nothing to allay my fears about the destruction of precious countryside and insensitive development on a wholly inappropriate scale.

“Perusing the notes bearing attendees’ comments, I could see nothing but strong feelings against building what amounts to an incongruous and charmless dormitory town.”

Before the consultations, Four Marks and Medstead district councillor Roland Richardson said: “I have many concerns, not least the loss of yet more open fields, and the potential to add to issues with flooding and the already congested road infrastructure.

“The proposal has many things in its favour, such as a new primary school. The visuals that I've seen show a very green, bucolic scene. And I know residents with young families who are currently living with their parents.”

A Bewley and Cala Homes spokesperson said: "East Hampshire District Council has been set a target of delivering 1,142 homes each year by the government and our focus is to bring forward plans on an appropriately sustainable site to help meet this local housing need.

“We are committed to taking a holistic approach to development which co-ordinates design and character with new infrastructure to meet the needs of the community. That’s why our plans include a new primary school, attractive new public open spaces and highways improvements.”