CONTROVERSIAL plans for a 6,000-home community in Hampshire will go under public scrutiny this week.

The Welborne Plan – which has already been backed by Fareham MP Mark Hoban – will be examined by a Government-appointed inspector, who will evaluate the scheme and decide whether it is sound.

The main elements of the plan include new homes, more than 97,000 square metres of employment floorspace, four schools, a new shopping centre and infrastructure improvement.

In July this year Mr Hoban lent his support to the project, saying that Fareham faces “significant challenges” and that Welborne would meet the borough’s housing needs.

But earlier this month Anton Hanney, secretary of nearby Wickham Residents Association, said the village’s infrastructure would not be able to cope with the increased use.

Examination of the plans will begin tomorrow at Fareham Civic Offices.