TOTTON residents took to the streets to protest at plans to redevelop three sites in the town.

Linden Homes (Southern) Ltd has submitted proposals to build new sports facilities and a total of 188 homes on what are currently open spaces. The demonstration centred on plans to construct 102 homes on part of the former BAT sports club off Ringwood Road.

Dozens of placard-waving residents condemned the proposal, saying it would result in the loss of a large greenfield site in the town centre.

Protest organiser Frances Orchard said the facility had gone from strength to strength since it became Totton Sports Club.

"It's thriving - much more so than when it was BAT - and it seems ludicrous to build on at least half the site," she said.

However, two of the sports clubs based there are backing Linden's proposals. If the scheme is approved, Totton and Eling FC will move to a new site at Little Testwood Farm and Totton and Eling Cricket Club will remain at Ringwood Road.

Both clubs claim they will fold if Linden's package of proposals is rejected and the old BAT ground is closed, leaving them homeless.

Football club spokesman Andy Tipp said: "Opportunities like this don't come up every day. I would urge local people to embrace a change that would bring new life to the teams involved.

"I can't stress how important the proposed new facilities are to us and our members."

John Bellamy, a member of the cricket club, said: "The proposals would secure the future of the cricket club and the sports club.

"We would urge people to support these plans in order for us to secure a brighter future for the cricket teams, clubs and wider community."

Linden also has the backing of AFC Totton. If the company's plans are approved, 86 homes will be built on the club's ground at Testwood Place and the team will join Totton and Eling FC at Little Testwood Farm.

Totton councillors have voted to reject all the proposals put forward by Linden, but New Forest District Council will have the final say.