HUNDREDS of homes could be built in a development on green belt land outside Bournemouth, the Daily Echo understands.

Barratt Homes is believed to have already acquired land just off the A31 at Glissons, Longham, including Oakridge Stables, while searching for sites for future projects.

A draft plan seen by the Echo suggests as many as 560 houses are planned.

Ferndown Town Councillor Paul Graham, ward councillor for Longham and Hampreston, said he believed residents would oppose the plans.

He said: "The most important purposes of the green belt are to contain urban sprawl, to maintain an area of open land around the town.

"This used to give residents a sense of well being and security, now this is being destroyed by greedy land owners trying to make a quick buck and developers who are intent on destroying the countryside."

He said the district council's core strategy prohibited building on green belt land, and that a major development would exacerbate existing traffic problems at Longham, and harm neighbouring ancient woodland and the site of special scientific interest.

"As an Independent councillor I have no political party agenda. I work for my residents in Longham and Hampreston and will do everything I can to stop this from going ahead."

Barratt Homes has confirmed it is considering developing housing in the area.

A spokesman said: "As the region’s leading housebuilder, Barratt has an ongoing development programme to identify potential sites for future development.

"If Barratt does progress with plans in Ferndown, a comprehensive consultation programme will encourage all interested parties to participate in the process."

Simon Trueick, planning policy manager at East Dorset District Council, said: "The council is aware of an interest to develop land at Oakridge Stables, Longham, Ferndown and the site has been submitted for consideration as part of the Local Plan review.

"No decisions have been made as to the future of this site.

"A Local Plan Options consultation is currently scheduled for later this year, following the assessment of sites submitted at this stage."

During the consultation on the ongoing local government reorganisation process concerns were expressed that East Dorset and Christchurch might be targeted for housing development in green belt and rural areas, as pressure grows for more housing in the conurbation and in the county in general.

Both district councils rejected the plan to combine Christchurch with Bournemouth and Poole, and East Dorset with the county council and other districts, in the form of two new unitary authorities. That plan has nevertheless been submitted to the Secretary of State for approval.