OBJECTORS have lost their battle to save a greenfield site in a Hampshire town – despite seeing their campaign backed by a nearby church.

Civic chiefs have approved a controversial application to bulldoze a derelict farmhouse at Calmore Road, Totton, and replace it with more than 20 homes.

Critics had included members of the 150-year-old St Anne’s Church, which is directly opposite the site.

In a letter to New Forest District Council the vicar, the Rev Sally Marchant, said cars going in and out of the new development would create extra traffic problems in the area, causing “significant inconvenience and danger”.

Describing a neighbouring set of crossroads as a notorious accident blackspot she called for the planned entrance to the site to be moved.

Fellow objector Katie Davies added: “The crossroads are very dangerous. You have to commit to pulling out before you can see what is coming.

“I don’t understand why you would add to this potential danger by having the access to the development on Calmore Road.”

Graham Sims, of Charmus Road, said some of the problems were being caused by people attending services and community events at St Anne’s.

He wrote: “Visitors park right up to the junction, causing hold-ups in all directions, and this new road will only make matters worse.”

However, the application was approved at a meeting of the council’s planning and development control committee.

A report to members said the proposal had sparked almost 40 objections from locals, some of whom were worried it would damage the semi-rural character of the area, known as Old Calmore. But it stressed that highway experts at Hampshire County Council supported the application.

“They are satisfied that the access onto Calmore Road would have adequate visibility,” said the report. “The level of traffic generated by the development would also be acceptable.

“While the concerns of local residents are noted, it is considered that the development would not have adverse implications for highway safety.”

But Cllr Chris Lagdon cited the number of parked cars in the area and added: “I’m amazed the highways people don’t see a problem.”

Speaking after the meeting the Rev Marchant said: “We will cope with any problems as and when they arise.

“We weren’t opposed to the homes, just the access and parking issues. We don’t have a car park at the church and on a Sunday there are cars parked all the way along Calmore Road.”

The applicant, Persimmon Homes South Coast, is planning to build a total of 24 flats and houses on the site.