COUNCIL chiefs have hit out at proposals to build 600 homes on the edge of the New Forest.

They say the massive development due to take place between Burton and Christchurch will increase congestion on a major New Forest road and add to traffic chaos in Lyndhurst.

New Forest District Council is objecting to the scheme, which forms part of a new blueprint for the south west.

Jeremy Heron, cabinet member for economy and planning, said the plan should be opposed: "Unless it can be demonstrated that there would be no detrimental impact on the New Forest National Park".

Cllr Heron warned that that the homes would increase commuting through the Forest, adding: "The location of the proposed development would be likely to result in significant additional traffic on the A35 and congestion at Lyndhurst."

The council is also worried about the prospect of people living in the new homes heading for the New Forest for recreation.

Cllr Heron said regional plans should identify areas where new recreational facilities could be built to serve the new conurbation and thus ease the pressure on the Forest.

Parish councillors at Lyndhurst have recently launched a new campaign for a bypass to combat ever-increasing congestion.

Hampshire County Council is attempting to ease the pressure on the village by re-routing traffic, telling Forest-bound drivers on the M27 to leave the motorway at Junction 2 and enter the area via the A35 through Ashurst.

It follows a decision to make Lyndhurst High Street an air quality management zone to protect shoppers, traders and pupils at the village school.