MORE homes will require more policing.

That is the warning from Hampshire Police Authority concerned over a Government blueprint that could see tens of thousands more homes built in the county.

As we reported yesterday, the Inspector's Report into the South East Plan announced that at least 4,000 homes are to be built every year until 2026 in south Hampshire alone.

But police watchdog chiefs say the proposal fails to address issues like crime and disorder and that cash must be set aside for more policing.

Earlier this year, representations from Hampshire Police Authority and Hampshire Constabulary were made to the Examination in Public (EiP) to highlight the impact increased housing growth will have on communities in terms of police resources.

Hampshire has been asked in the report to build 6,415 new homes each year for the next 20 years - an increase of 315 on the original 6,100 each year. The areas which have been asked to take on the increased number include Winchester, Test Valley, East Hampshire and Southampton.

Councillor Jacqui Rayment, chairman of Hampshire Police Authority, said: "The South East Plan fails to address factors such as crime and disorder, and the impact these have on quality of life. An increasing population will need more policing resources. It is essential that policing is included in funding for the infrastructure to support the housing growth, and that this funding is forthcoming before, and not after, new housing development."