CAMPAIGNERS staged a protest over plans to redevelop two greenfield sites in a Hampshire town that is already short of open space.

Demonstrators lobbied councillors arriving for a meeting of Totton's planning committee, which voted to oppose the multi-million-pound proposals.

Council officers conceded that the plans would result in a range of new sports facilities - but said that the environmental cost was too high.

Many of the objections centre on an application to redevelop the former BAT sports field off Ringwood Road, Totton.

Linden Homes Southern Ltd wants to retain the cricket pitch but axe the football ground and build 102 homes on the land.

The proposal has angered people living in Southern Gardens and other roads nearby.

The committee agreed to urge New Forest District Council to reject all three schemes.