PLANS for 460 homes on two greenfield sites in a Hampshire town have sparked fears the area will be "swamped" by people and traffic.

Pennyfarthing Homes has submitted outline applications to build 400 properties on a 74-acre site at Whitsbury Road, Fordingbridge, and 63 homes at neighbouring Tinkers Cross.

The applications - the latest in a series of proposals for Fordingbridge - have angered and alarmed people living in the area.

Liza Bull, of Salisbury Street, Fordingbridge, is one of 80 people who have lodged objections to the Whitsbury Road scheme.

Her letter to New Forest District Council says: "Please think again before Fordingbridge is totally spoilt.”

Fellow objector Marion Firman, of Salisbury Street, Fordingbridge, adds: "Another large development will have a huge adverse effect on the character of Fordingbridge. This small historic market town will be consumed with people and traffic."

The application says the scheme will prove a positive addition to Fordingbridge by delivering much-needed housing plus enhanced footpaths, additional recreation space and money towards the cost of new facilities.

Pennyfarthing's application to build 63 homes at Tinkers Cross has also sparked controversy.

Letters sent to the council claim it will create extra traffic problems in the area as well as placing additional strain on doctors, dentists and schools.

Tim Browne, of Albion Road, Fordingbridge, says: "The area is a green space enjoyed by a large number of residents."

Julie Day, of Elmwood Avenue, Fordingbridge, adds: "It would be a great shame to see this natural beauty spot, home to many animals and wildlife, turned into yet another housing estate."

Scott Hanham, of Dudley Avenue, Fordingbridge, says schools in the town are already at bursting point.

Other objectors claim the Ringwood and Fordingbridge area is paying the price for being left out of the New Forest National Park, where new development is severely restricted.

The Tinkers Cross scheme includes what Pennyfarthing describes as a "significant" amount of open space.

The application says: "The scheme comprises 63 high quality homes including a good range of one, two, three and four-bedroom properties, including some bungalows, to provide market and affordable housing for young people, families and the elderly.

"Importantly the land is allocated for residential led development in the recently adopted New Forest Local Plan."