RESIDENTS are finally set to see details on plans to build more than 160 homes on green belt land on the edge of the New Forest.

Developer Pennyfarthing Homes initially announced its proposals for land off Brockhills Lane in New Milton before the pandemic.

A public exhibition as duty to be held at the town's community centre in March, however, this was postponed due to the coronavirus.

At the time the company said it was looking to deliver up to 173 homes.

Now ahead of a virtual public consultation event on Thursday, December 10, Pennyfarthing Homes said their draft plans are for up to 165 new homes.

A spokesperson for Pennyfarthing Homes said: “Over the last few months we have been working hard to further improve our plans for land off Brockhills Lane.

"We believe we can bring forward an attractive, high quality development in this location that will provide much needed housing for local people.

"We look forward to sharing our plans with the local community and are keen to hear what people think.”

The firm said the consultation event will give residents the chance to have their say and give feedback on the draft proposals. The project team will be on hand to present the plans and answer questions during a questions during the meeting.

Concerns were raised by several residents following the announcement of the initial plans.

New Milton-based housebuilders Pennyfarthing Homes said the plans for the site, which is an adopted strategic housing location in New Forest District Council's Local Plan, include a mix of house sizes and tenures, with 'affordable housing', as well as public open space and biodiversity enhancement.

Fernhill ward councillor Jill Cleary said: "I am looking forward to seeing what the changes are, if they have taken onboard anything in the recommendations that New Forest District Council have made and let's see what the consultation brings in.

"It is still in its very early stages. I haven't got opinions for or against at the moment until I can actually see what the scheme is."

She added: "The more affordable homes we have got, the more home we have got, it is better for everyone but I appreciate we need green space and we need good design so let's see what this brings up."

Members of the public will be able to attend the consultation on December 10, by visiting brockhillslane.co.uk, with the event set to run from 5.30pm to 7pm through online platform Zoom.