PLANS to turn part of land in Christchurch into recreation space for a massive housing development have been recommended for refusal.

The proposal to turn land at Roeshot Hill in Christchurch into suitable alternative greenspace (SANG) could be turned down by New Forest National Park Authority at their meeting on Tuesday.

The body will be discussing the proposal, which includes greenspace, a creation of pond, boardwalk, drainage, fencing, gates, information board and benches, as part of the land near the Pick Your Own farm, in Hampshire.

And officers feel not enough planning has been done, with only 'basic' plans submitted.

A planning application over the housing development and access is currently in the hands of officers at Christchurch Borough Council. No details have yet been published.

The plans for the alternative greenspaces were submitted ahead of the housing plans.

Christchurch Borough Council has not made a decision on the proposals yet.

In a report to the committee, the authority say the aim of the application is to provide an area of 'informal open air recreation space' for residents of the new estate.

It would encourage dog walks and recreation in a 'more robust area' than the surrounding heathlands.

Two other similar area are proposed for the site as well.

Officers from the National Park Authority say they are concerned that the proposal has not demonstrated how additional pressures would not be placed upon Burton Common SSSI.

And although the applicant, George Meyrick, says the NPA should add a planning condition to any consent addressing their concerns, officers feel the details are needed before this is agreed.

The report adds: "Officers are concerned that the SANG may not be fit for purpose.

"In addition, concerns are raised regarding the proposed character and appearance of the SANG as a development within a National Park.

"The landscape character would be altered by the provision of 'country park' infrastructure eg litter bins, interpretation boards, board walks, dog pond, benches, post and wire fencing."

Officers "remain willing to consider a revised application", the report concludes.