CAMPAIGNERS are fighting plans to build up to 100 homes on one of the last green “lungs” in a Hampshire town.

Two charities have sparked uproar by drawing up proposals to construct scores of properties on agricultural land they own north of Loperwood Lane in Totton.

The scheme has angered locals, who say they have already seen hundreds of new homes spring up in the area in the past few years.

Protesters say the proposed development will create extra traffic problems, increase flooding and place extra strain on schools and other facilities.

Sue Lawrence, who lives near the site, said: “This area has always been wet. Two years ago so much water was running off the field the road looked like a river.”

Campaigners are also worried about the impact on wildlife as well as the loss of open space.

The land under threat is a 4.4-hectare site between Calmore Road and the Totton Western Bypass and is part of an area known as Old Calmore.

Pamela Bran is one of about 50 people who have written letters to objection to New Forest District Council.

Her letter says: “Leave this field for the horses and do not change the landscape of Old Calmore any more than you have already done.”

Totton councillor Neville Penman said more than 60 residents had attended a protest meeting at Calmore Community Centre.

“The main problem with this is the flooding that already occurs at Calmore Road, plus the potential impact of the scheme on schools and doctors’ surgeries,” said Cllr Penman.

“There are children in Calmore but have to go to school in Cadnam and Netley Marsh because there are no places locally.”

Cllr Dean Britton listed the problems he said the homes would cause and added: “I don’t see how they can submit a scheme like this – it just doesn’t make sense.

“We know there’s a need for for housing but not there. It would cause mayhem.”

The application has been submitted by two charities, Cancer Research UK and Open Sight. which were left the land in someone’s will.

A Cancer Research spokesman said: “Gifts in wills account for over a third of our income and enable us to carry out pioneering work that has saved millions of lives.”

Planning agents Howard Sharp & Partners, who are acting on behalf of the charities, cited the “desperate need” for more housing in the district.