PLANS for a new Hampshire town have been given backing and funding from the government.

Welborne, the development site near Fareham, is to provide 6,000 homes and will have access to a £6 million fund over the next two years to support its delivery.

The announcement, made today by the Homes and Communities Agency means that the site is to become one of 14 Garden Villages, the first of their kind.

Across England, the plan has the potential to deliver more than 48,000 homes. The plans for Welborne were approved by Fareham Borough Council in June 2015.

Welborne, north of the M27 will have shops, schools and community facilities as well as improving links to Fareham and junction 10 of the M27.

Sean Woodward, leader of Fareham Borough Council, said: “Welborne epitomises the government’s ambitions to get Britain building again and help more people to realise their dream of home ownership. I am delighted that Fareham Borough Council has been included in today’s announcement.

“Welborne forms an integral part of our housing plans for Fareham and will provide much needed homes and jobs for our residents and their families.”

Housing minister Gavin Barwell said: “Locally-led Garden Towns and Villages have enormous potential to deliver the homes that communities need.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England has criticised Welborne as neither wanted nor needed.