CAMPAIGNERS are fighting plans to use land behind an 18th century pub for housing.

Bayview Developments is seeking planning permission to build four homes on a site overlooked by the White Horse in Keyhaven Road, Milford on Sea.

But critics claim the proposed development would create extra traffic problems in the area.

The application is being opposed by Milford Parish Council and has also sparked ten letters of objection and a 28-name petition from people living nearby.

Controversy centres on plans to build a new access road off the end of Grebe Close - currently a no-through-road.

In a letter to New Forest District Council one of the residents said: "I wish to reiterate my concerns regarding the safety and security of my six-year-old son, his friends playing in the cul-de-sac and my elderly mother walking her dogs twice a day.

"The proposed increase in traffic in this tight area will undoubtedly increase the risk of an incident leading to a potentially fatal accident."

Other Grebe Close residents have also lodged objections to the application, which will be debated by the council's planning committee next Wednesday.

A report produced by council officers urges the committee to approve the proposal but acknowledges the concerns raised.

Quoting the protesters, the report says: “Grebe Close is a single carriageway cul-de-sac with parking places and traffic calming measures - it is wholly unsuitable as an access road to additional homes.

“The stretch of road that coincides with the Solent Way is a popular walking route, both for local and visitors.

“Encouraging additional traffic and parking along this route may be detrimental to people’s experiences of visiting Milford.

"The new homes should be accessed from Keyhaven Road, the most direct route from the village centre."

But the report says the new development would preserve the character and appearance of the neighbouring conservation area.

It adds: "The proposal would provide social and economic benefits, including employment for construction workers and increased spending in local shops."

The report says the scheme would also benefit the environment by providing housing in a sustainable location near services and facilities.

Bayview is seeking consent to build two detached houses and a pair of semi-detached houses on the former brownfield site.

Its application says the proposed development would result in extra traffic using Glebe Close but claims the increase would not endanger anyone's safety and would not generate any significant noise or disturbance.

It adds: "The movements will be wholly typically of any residential area and not in any manner harmful."